Your Southern Peach

Summer 2018 Kickoff!

2018-06-04T16:33:00.000-04:00

Summer 2018 is in full swing and we kicked it off with a visit to one of our favorite southern spots, the World of Coca-Cola. Nothing pairs better with our hot Georgia sun than an ice cold Coca-Cola, right?

Every visit we try to crack the recipe and figure out what flavors make up our favorite southern drink. Luke even set off the alarm in the vault because he accidentally got a little too close to the well guarded secret. Oops!

This was Ben's first time at the World of Coca-Cola and needless to say he was smitten with it all.

Especially the polar bear!

And even though there were lots of new things to explore like the Sprite boy exhibit and designing your own bottle, the tasting room is still tops on our list. And when you're at the World of Coca-Cola, there's no limit to how much you can drink which always floors the boys.

Stay tuned for lots more summer adventures....it's only just begun.

My first Whole 30, completed!!!

2015-09-14T09:34:00.002-04:00

I completed my first Whole 30 on September 2. Never in a million years did I think I would type those words. When I embarked on my journey, I was scared and doubtful. But, I did it and I am so proud of myself. Many people have asked me to share my thoughts on the program and whether I really enjoyed it. The short answer is yes, I loved it. The experience changed my relationship with food, how I will fuel my body going forward and how I will feed my family. (If you missed my review of the first two weeks on Whole 30, you may want to read that first. There is also a post on why I chose Whole 30 which you can read here.)

After a full 30 days on the program, here are some final thoughts for those who are interested and just for my own record.

Be prepared to cook: Sure, there are plenty of no cook options on Whole 30 like fruit, raw veggies and nuts but meat and eggs do require cooking. That doesn't mean you can't keep it simple. I love this recipe for lemon thyme chicken. It's a regular weeknight favorite in our house. I tried to cook in bulk on the weekends (like grilled chicken and hard boiled eggs) so that I could just "grab and go" during the week. Whole 30 does require some planning and prepping but once you make it a priority, it provides for lots of quick and easy meals.

Get ready to fall in love with fruit again: Wow, this really took me by surprise! Whole 30 will give you a brand new appreciation for fruit. After eliminating artificial sugars from your diet, a perfectly ripe piece of fruit will taste like pure heaven. Summertime is an ideal time to do a Whole 30 because there are so many wonderful fruits and veggies in season.

You'll be surprised at which foods you miss the most: When I began the Whole 30 I thought for sure that alcohol and bread would be the things I missed the most. I was completely wrong. After 30 days, you know what foods I missed? Feta cheese on my salad, greek yogurt for breakfast and real-deal chocolate ice cream. I could have cared less about bread, except maybe those garlic rolls I passed over at the italian restaurant one night. And about alcohol...a lot of people have said to me they couldn't do Whole 30 simply because of the "no alcohol." Trust me, you can do it! Stepping away from it for a while opened my eyes to when and why I was consuming alcohol. I noticed much of my consumption was done out of social obligation or a reaction to an emotional day.

People will be curious. Have an answer: Speaking of social settings (and you will encounter them on Whole 30), you need to be prepared for questions. People will be curious or interested. Others will be confused and appalled. I encourage you to really think about why you are on this journey so that you can share that with people in a kind and honest manner. For me, I wanted to reset my hormones after having Ben. I also wanted to jumpstart my postpartum weight loss and increase energy.

You will lose weight: If you are truly following Whole 30, I'm 99% sure you will lose weight. I only lost 10 pounds during my 30 days but others have reported greater numbers. I was a little disappointed that I did not lose more but I had some other challenges working against me which I will discuss in just a second.

Get your rest and renewal: I kid you not, the day I began my Whole 30 Ben decided he was going to quit sleeping through the night. I'm still trouble shooting his sleep issues but I haven't slept through the night since beginning my Whole 30 and I really think it affected my weight loss. My lack of sleep also discouraged regular workouts too. Either way, your body is going through extreme changes and rest is important! Get as much as you can. I also made a point to take salt baths and treated myself to a few spa appointments. Reward your body mentally and physically because it deserves it. Take care of your body and it will take care of you in return.

You will not be hungry: Another comment I got a lot was "Don't you get hungry?" Amazingly, no. Not at all. When you fuel your body with "the good stuff" you will be full and satisfied. I also noticed very quickly that I didn't have the high and lows associated with sugar. Remember, Whole 30 does not limit you to an amount of food so eat as much as you want, as long as it's whole foods. Plain and simple.

Trying new foods and recipes: Admittedly at first glance, Whole 30 feels like you don't have a lot of choices. But you do. I enjoyed trying new fruits, veggies and proteins. After the first few weeks, I began to step out of my comfort zone and shop for things that weren't regulars on the grocery list. I also enjoyed experimenting with new oils and fats like coconut oil and clarified butter.

Find a support group: For me this came via Instagram but I know there are message boards, Facebook pages, blogs, etc. Just knowing that others were on the same journey was motivating. I also loved seeing what others were eating and got some great ideas for new meals.

Do it for yourself: In my opinion, this is huge for any wellness program. Many times, we look for motivation outside of ourselves such as a spouse, a group of friends or an upcoming event. Let me tell you, nothing will ultimately motivate you better than your own desire. Do this challenge for you. Do it because you want to feel better, because you long for better health, because you want to change your relationship with food. Refer back to my point of why you are doing this program. Be honest with yourself and remind yourself of it every morning and throughout the day if needed.

Read the book: Even though the Whole 30 is a very simple program, there is a ton of science behind it that is quite intriguing. The book will encourage you and provide you good reminders of why we eat certain foods and how they fuel our bodies. It Starts With Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways and can be on your doorstep within days thanks to Amazon.

Shop before you begin: Okay, if your feeling motivated to start your own program right away (which is kinda what I did) clean out your fridge and pantry of temptation and go shopping for whole foods. Staples for me were eggs, avocado, sweet potato, tomatoes, various fruits, chicken, almond butter, olive oil, sea salt, nuts, raisins and Lara bars. Don't make the mistake by setting your mind to start today only to discover by lunch time you don't have enough whole foods on hand to get your through the first 24 hours.

Last but not least, Whole 30 is not "Forever:" Sure, lots of people adopt this program as a lifestyle due to health reasons, food allergies or simply because they love it. But throughout your challenge (and it will be challenging) remind yourself this is only 30 days. You will enjoy ice cream again, you will sip a margarita, you will go out for pizza. Just not right now. These 30 days belong to you and your health. Commit these 30 days to you because you are worth it.

Thank you again for all your support and encouragement! It really helped me stay focused and motivated me to stick to the program. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email or get in touch with me via social media. Thanks for reading and sharing this experience with me.

Blueberry Almond White Chocolate Clusters

2015-08-27T22:54:00.000-04:00

I know you're probably wondering why I'm posting this yummy goodness right at the tail end of my Whole 30 journey. I assure you, I have NOT fallen off the wagon! These blueberry-almond white chocolate clusters are going straight to my freezer to enjoy during the upcoming labor day weekend. I told myself I would ease back into sugar after the Whole 30. And by ease, I mean bite size, perfectly portioned, partially whole food goodies like these. It's just a little white chocolate with some almonds and dried blueberries. No harm in my book!

Making these could not be any easier. Simply melt your chocolate, pour into silicone ice cube molds and cover with blueberry almonds and dried blueberries. Now if I can just resist temptation for a few more days!

// Ingredients //

2 (4 oz.) packages of Bakers white chocolate baking squares
1/2 cup Blue Diamond Blueberry Almonds
1/2 cup dried blueberries
1 silicone ice cube traysilicone ice cube tray

// Instructions //

Melt chocolate according to package directions. Pour into trays and tap the tray to allow the melted chocolate to settle. Next sprinkle almonds and blueberries over the top of the chocolate clusters. Freeze until chocolate is set or until ready to serve.

*This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. All opinions are my own.
** Recipe development, styling and photography by Amy Mikkelsen

Lemon and Thyme Chicken (Whole 30 Approved)

2015-08-25T13:55:00.000-04:00

This recipe was one of my go-to weeknight recipes before Whole 30 and now I love it even more! It has tons of flavor and is so refreshing, particularly in the warmer months. I've been making this Lemon and Thyme Chicken in bulk on the weekends to eat for lunch during the week. Sometimes I eat it warm with roasted veggies but most of the time I eat it cold over a salad.

I snagged the original recipe from Kelly at Eat Yourself Skinny, which is a lower fat/lower calorie version but I've added some healthy oil to the recipe for two reasons. Number one, Whole 30 requires us to eat healthy fats so that we have enough calories to sustain ourselves (plus, healthy fats ARE good for us) and number two, the marinade later becomes a delicious salad dressing. One quick note on that. The oil in the marinade does solidify a bit in the refrigerator but a few seconds in the microwave will fix it.

I only have one more week left on this Whole 30 journey and I will give you another recap soon. If you missed my earlier posts, Why I chose Whole 30 and The first two weeks on Whole 30, feel free to read those if you're interested.

Lemon and Thyme Chicken

// Ingredients //

3 organic chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
Zest of one lemon
Juice from two lemons
1 tsp coarse salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3 garlic cloves, pressed
1 tablespoon chopped thyme

// Instructions //

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice salt, pepper, garlic and thyme.

2. Place chicken in shallow baking dish. Pour marinade over the chicken breasts and juiced lemons. (You can eat the lemons too! The baking process makes them deliciously sweet.)

3. Bake the chicken for 25 minutes or until cooked through. Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes before serving. If you're placing it in the refrigerator to eat later, be sure to allow the chicken to cool completely first.

The first two weeks on Whole 30

2015-08-18T08:43:00.003-04:00

If you missed my post yesterday on why I chose Whole 30, you may want to read it first. If not, keep reading. It may sound crazy but after only 14 days on Whole 30, I feel like this journey will forever change how I eat and how I think about food. For the sake of documentation and my own memory or lack thereof, I wanted to share a few things about my first two weeks. Perhaps if you are considering the program, you will find this helpful, informative or inspiring.

1. First it's not as difficult as I imagined. I thought it would be the worst month of my life but that is not the case. Unless you live in a hole, I promise you have done harder things in life than the Whole 30. It's just food. Yes we need it, but it's still just food. The Whole 30 simply asks us to eat really wholesome food and there is nothing hard about that. Yes, it takes a little extra time and effort to plan and cook your meals but the results are so worth it.

2. The thing I love most about Whole 30 is the simplicity. It is very black and white. No tracking or weighing food. There are no cheat days or "extra points" or "activity points." At first it felt very restrictive but now I appreciate how cut and dry the program is. It makes grocery shopping super easy too! Grab your produce, your meats, your healthy fats and your La Croix and you're done. Boom.

3. I realized after just two days on Whole 30 that I have been fueling my body all wrong. I've always had trouble regulating my blood sugar and would try to eat several smaller meals throughout the day or incorporate snacks but I still felt hungry. I have not been hungry once since following Whole 30. It's so awesome to leave the house and not have to grab a handful of "protein" bars in case my blood sugar crashes.

4. I realized a lot of my indulgences are not consumed out of desire but rather habit. For instance, Friday night Mexican and margaritas, ice cream with the kiddos on the weekend or pizza night for the sake of convenience. After Whole 30, I will indulge in these things but it will be done more consciously and it will be enjoyed to the fullest and without guilt. If you're wondering what foods I've craved the most, see above. (Pizza, margaritas, and chocolate ice cream.) All the other "junk" I can most likely live without.

5. I've always been pretty good at reading my nutritional labels but often failed at reading through the ingredients. WOW, there is sugar and soy in everything...along with a bunch of other "ingredients" I cannot pronounce. Going forward I will consciously purchase brands that use more wholesome ingredients, not only for myself but for the entire family. I've already switched things like our spaghetti sauce and our butter.

6. Physically I can tell I've lost weight which is great! I'm noticing other big changes too. My sleep cycle feels completely different. I get naturally sleepy (vs a cocktail induced sleepy) at 10:30pm and wake well rested, except for the nights I'm up with Ben! (He has regressed with his sleep but that's another story.) While I did experience the infamous fatigue and Whole 30 hangover during the first few weeks, it was hard for me to tell whether it was diet induced or due to middle of the night awakenings with Ben. Either way, each day I'm feeling more energized and stronger both mentally and physically. My nails look amazing so I'm hoping my hair is benefiting too. My night sweats are gone and the swelling in my knees and ankles are gone too. I don't have anymore lightheadedness associated with the highs and lows of blood sugar which is something I've struggled with since I was a teen. Overall feeling a lot more healthy and happy!

*photos by Amy Mikkelsen

Why I chose Whole 30

2015-08-17T07:30:00.000-04:00

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I embarked on a Whole 30 journey a few weeks ago, 14 days to be exact. If you aren't familiar with Whole 30, it's an elimination eating progarm (not a diet) where you consume ONLY meat, veggies, fruit, nuts and healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, olives, avocado and nut butters. That means for 30 days (or longer if you choose), you consume absolutely no dairy, no legumes, no grains, no sugar (real or artificial) and NO alcohol. After the 30 days, you slowly reintroduce certain foods back into your diet and assess how your body responds to them both mentally and physically. Yes, it is radical and yes it sounds crazy. I know. For a girl that loves her food and cocktails, I never imagined myself doing something so "restrictive." Let me explain.

After Ben was born, I gave myself some time to adjust to life with three kids. I didn't rush myself into dieting or push myself back into the gym. I was no stranger to postpartum weight loss and had lost 25+ pounds after both of my previous pregnancies. I knew how to lose weight and when the time was right, I would march back to Weight Watchers and start counting points and working out again. But this time around, I felt different. There was something more than just losing the baby weight. Ben was four months old and I was still having terrible night sweats, my hair started falling out, my ankle and knee joints were swollen and I was stress eating at every turn. Simply put, I just did not feel healthy. I felt terrible.

I had heard about Whole 30 before but knew NOTHING about it. I just thought it was some radical "diet" that people did when they were trying to uncover food allergies or help with stomach issues. One desperate night, I read some reviews on Amazon for "It Starts With Food", a book about discovering the Whole 30. There were so many people raving about how this "diet" changed their life or made them feel so much better. I had no idea if it would help balance my hormones or heal my achy joints or get my sugar cravings under control, but I bought the book anyway and it was delivered via Amazon Prime a few days later. I began reading the book and 10 minutes into it, I knew I had to begin my own journey. On page 24, the Whole 30 "Good Food Standards" states the food we eat should:

1. Promote a healthy psychological response (there's my stress eating!)

2. Promote a healthy hormonal response (check that box too.)

3. Support a healthy gut (sure, why not?)

4. Support immune function and minimize inflammation (heal my achy joints and feel healthy..yes!)

So, here I am 14 days in and you want to know what I think about the Whole 30? I absolutely love it! Already I feel so much healthier and happier AND I'm conditioning my mind and body to eat really good food. Do I miss certain foods or the occassional margarita? Absolutely, and they'll eventually make their way back into my life. But not for these 30 days. These 30 days are about taking care of me and giving my body what it needs to get back on track to feel good. So, there it is. Why I chose Whole 30 in a nutshell. Tomorrow I'll be recapping my first two weeks on Whole 30 and sharing details like what foods I've been eating, why I like the program, what I've been craving, tips/tricks for staying on track and what changes I've seen since begining the program.

Our Last Adventure

2015-07-31T17:26:00.001-04:00

Today is our last weekday of summer vacation! It's bittersweet in every way. Adjusting to life with three boys has certainly been an adventure. Early this morning I took Jett on his practice bus ride for kindergarten, which begins Monday. I couldn't help but be excited for this new chapter to begin. But I was a little sad to think our summer time together is coming to an end.

After we got home from the bus ride, I asked the boys how they wanted to spend their last day of summer vacation and their reply was, "Ride bikes in the park!" So, I packed everyone up to take one last adventure.

This summer is the first time both boys are training wheels free which means they're free to roam off road which is always their favorite. We take the bikes and the stroller back by a local creek and just enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods.

Jett has no problem keeping up with his big brother... he is ALL about adventure!

And Luke...he's a true free spirit, often getting lost in his own thoughts and daydreams.

And Ben...sweet little Ben. I feel like he's barely had a moment to be a newborn because he's been "adventuring" like a big boy all summer. He's always up for the ride and a pretty happy camper. I'm looking forward to spending lots of one-on-one time with him this fall.

Thank you to Blue Diamond Almonds for coming along with us on our last adventure and giving me the energy to keep up with these three little boys!

*This “Flavor Your Adventure” post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. For more snack ideas to “Flavor Your Adventure” this summer, visit Blue Diamond Almonds on Facebook (http://facebook.com/bluediamond), Twitter (http://twitter.com/bluediamond) and Instagram (http://instagram.com/bluediamond).

Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

2015-07-29T14:43:00.001-04:00

This, fellow peaches, is my new favorite afternoon smoothie! Lately, I had found myself reaching for the comfort of chocolate far too often. Keeping up with three little boys all summer is not for the faint hearted. Every time a wrestling match broke out, I wanted chocolate. When someone didn't get their way and made it be known, I wanted chocolate. When the end of the day came and I propped my feet up, I wanted chocolate. Luckily this chocolate covered cherry smoothie is a healthier alternative and easy as a breeze to make!

*****Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie *****

//Ingredients//

1 banana, peeled
1 cup frozen, pitted cherries
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1 cup chilled chocolate AlmondBreeze almond milk
1 cup ice

//Instructions//

Combine ingredients in a blender and mix until combined. Garnish with fresh cherries and chocolate sprinkles.

*This "Easy as Breeze" post is sponsored by Almond Breeze Almondmilk. For more "Easy As Breeze” recipes made with five ingredients or less, visit Almond Breeze on Facebook (http://facebook.com/almondbreeze), Twitter (http://twitter.com/almondbreeze), Instagram (http://instagram.com/almondbreezeus) and Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/almondbreeze).

A Visit to the Greenbrier Hotel

2015-07-13T17:37:00.000-04:00

I've wanted to visit The Greenbrier for so long! When I found out Mr. YSP's job was taking him to the Greenbrier, I was crushed because I didn't think it would be possible for me to tag along due to Benjamin's young age. BUT, Mr. YSP aligned the moon and the stars (i.e. coordinated five caretakers) to stay with the boys while we went away to the Greenbrier for a few days. I joked with people that the boys were in better hands with their five caretakers (which included two grandmothers) than they were with me on a daily basis!

While Mr. YSP was working, I visited the spa, relaxed in the ladies quiet room, lounged at the outdoor pool, rode bikes and took a ton of pictures! The Greenbrier is so visually stimulating and a photographers dream, thanks to the design genius of Dorothy Draper and her apprentice and current curator, Carleton Varney.

The hotel is so rich with history that you can imagine the days of time passed at every corner. From the grand ballroom to the 100 year old indoor pool, it's no wonder why the Greenbrier is known as America's Resort.

Are you ready to see some pictures?

Here's your view as you turn the corner to approach the entrance. Isn't she lovely?

Here's where the magic happens. Mr. Varney's office complete with fabric samples and portrait of the late Dorothy Draper.

The Ballroom below is crowned with a beautiful chandelier and impeccable ceiling detail. I couldn't help but imagine a room full of dancing hoop skirts back in the day. This space is enormous and an absolutely stunning mix of peach, coral and red!

Pretty obsessed with this rope lamp...

Next up, is my favorite room at the Greenbrier, the writing room. I'm still in awe of Dorothy's ability to mix massive amounts of red and green and not have it look like Christmas exploded. While the decor is nothing short of grand, this room has a really cozy feel to it.

This rotunda and baby grand are just off the main lobby. I had to stop and stare on multiple occasions. It is massive and breathtaking.

This yellow and green room is kinda "off the beaten path" at the Greenbrier. I stumbled upon it when taking photos and fell head over heels. The bow detail at the top of the drapes is perfection and the way the light cascades through the windows is magnificent. It made me sad that no one was using it but I'm sure it gets some action during special events. I envisioned a massive ladies bridge tournament and cucumber tea sandwiches instead.

I love how the Greenbrier mixes bold intricate patterns with cleans lines and moldings. Below are a collection of "doors" I spotted while cruising around.

Also, hard to miss and probably most photographed, are the staircases in the Greenbrier. Feast your eyes on the fabulous steps below.

Happy feet are abound at the Greenbrier as you walk through beds of roses and banana leaf palms. The carpets were a high point for me! If you love flowers and gardening like I do, you will adore the abundant floral carpets at the Greenbrier.

Lush greenery and scenery are also outside! I rented a bike one morning and met a local homeowner that took me on a tour of the grounds.

I failed to eat at Draper's cafe but snapped a few shots outside, including the cute corner seat.

While walking through the Greenbrier, you cannot forget to look up. There are chandeliers everywhere! Chandeliers in every shape and size and color. This one below was featured in Gone with the Wind. It's just off the main dining room and we had the pleasure of dining underneath our first night.

The main dining room boasts several of these glorious green crystal chandeliers!

This colorful hallway is just off the main dining room. I love the grand yellow drapes!

A pagoda style hutch filled with blue and white ceramics...yes please!

This peach and blue room is the on the backside of the ballroom. My favorite part of this room, besides the color combo, is the life size portrait of Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco and herringbone floors. Isn't Grace gorgeous?

I loved the Trellis Lobby! Massive amounts of roses, trellises and light. Be still my garden-loving heart.

Here's a photo of our room before we unpacked. There are over 700 rooms at the Greenbrier and each one is decorated differently. Can you imagine? I could have spent a whole day just popping my head into guest rooms.

A few more shots of the various wallpapers used at the Greenbrier...

And another personal favorite, the indoor pool. This pool is over 100 years old which I think is really cool. I regret not doing at least one swan dive during my stay. The Greenbrier also has a more modern outdoor pool which I visited but failed to photograph while I was lounging.

Just a few more nooks near the pool that I noticed while making my way to the spa.

I took a photo of the "Ladies Quiet Room" aka "my heaven on Earth" while I was waiting on my services. No cell phones aloud but I snagged a shot just for you! Isn't it dreamy?

Hope you enjoyed my photos! A special thanks to Mr. YSP for pulling this off and encouraging me to take some time for myself and indulge a little bit. Also, a big thank you to our moms for taking such great care of the boys!

Your Southern Peach,

Amy

New Mom Essentials

2015-06-04T00:59:00.000-04:00

Hello fellow peaches! I AM alive and thriving. Don't you know how quickly time passes with baby number three? There is barely a moment to think...life just keeps moving full speed ahead.

Baby Benjamin is seven weeks old now and adjusting just fine. He is starting to smile and coo and find his fingers. The big boys are still so proud of their baby brother and love to show him off to friends. We are enjoying lazy summer days at home and the pool.

I'm taking good care of myself and finally feeling somewhat "normal" again. Postpartum is such a tricky time for new moms. I feel like I could write a book on the topic if I only had the time! There are the hormones, the exhaustion and accepting a body that is new and different. The nurses try to prepare you when they send you home from the hospital, but nothing quite prepares you for life postpartum. I like to break up the "fourth trimester" into three stages..the first two days, the first two weeks and the first two months. Surviving each of these "hurdles" gets you closer to the finish line. And by finish line, I mean sleeping through the night and feeling like a normal, functioning human being again. I assure you things do get back to normal but it does takes time. Be patient with yourself, your spouse and your baby.

Since I don't have time to write a book, I thought I'd share some of my favorite new mom essentials. Yes, there are LOTS of things you need for the baby, but I'm talking about things for YOU. We tend to forget we too are healing both mentally and physically from the birth process. Be sure to stock up on these beforehand (via Amazon prime, of course) so they're ready and waiting for you after baby arrives!

Unscented Epsom Salt :: Nothing will heal you faster than epsom salt baths. Take one religiously, especially during the first two weeks.

Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate :: There's no way around dark circles and puffy eyes when your sleep is continuously interrupted. Treat yourself to a good quality eye cream and use it daily.

Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum :: You will wash your hands 592,043 times a day between changing diapers and feeding you baby. Your hands will crack and bleed if left unattended. Invest in a trusted hand cream. This brand has never let me down!

Amazon Prime :: Save yourself from postpartum anxiety and order diapers and formula via Amazon prime. It will be your best friend, trust me.

Lemons :: Did you know lemons are natural mood enhancers? Postpartum depression is REAL. Incorporate lemon anywhere and everywhere. Put it in your drinking water, in a steam shower or a stove top potpourri. And don't be afraid to ask for help from a medical professional if you're really feeling blue.

Cranberry Juice :: There's a reason why the nurses offer it to you right after delivery. It helps prevent postpartum urinary tract infection. Your body is getting rid of a ton of extra fluid so be sure to hydrate. Make a habit of visiting the ladies room hourly, even if you don't feel the urge.

TUCKS Witchazel pads :: Speaking of the ladies room, these cooling pads soaked in witch hazel are your best friend. I also use them to relieve under eye puffiness!

* This post is sponsored by Vaseline. I received free samples of Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum. This is a brand and product that I love and trust. All opinions are my own.

Bringing home Benjamin

2015-04-22T11:45:00.000-04:00

Our new addition is finally here! Benjamin arrived Sunday, April 12th around 1:15pm just in time to watch his first Masters. A few days before his arrival I began feeling anxious about how our family would change and how adding another sibling would affect the boys. Thankfully, Luke and Jett are smitten with their little brother. They want to kiss him and hold him constantly. They tell him goodbye when they leave for school and he's the first person they want to see when they come home. Mr. YSP is thrilled to have a future Father's Day golf foursome. How lucky am I that I get to spend everyday with these handsome guys?

I'm recovering nicely and am anxious to get back into a routine. Sleep has been here and there but this time around I don't mind the middle of the night feedings as much. I feel like they're some of the few moments I get alone with Ben and can give him my undivided attention. It's hard to believe I started this blog almost five years ago during a late night feeding session with Jett! I had no idea what a blog was but desperately needed a creative outlet for myself. I'm looking forward to giving this space new life in the coming months too!

As for now, we're trying to keep life simple. We are getting to know Benjamin and what makes him unique. Like the way he prays with his little feet...

And the way he loves to hold hands...it just melts my heart.

And the fact that he has the most gorgeous blue eyes and dark hair. I wonder if they will stay?

Luke is such an amazing big brother which comes as no surprise. I call him my gentle giant. He has such a sweet, tender heart and will protect his little brothers at no cost. He loves to hold and snuggle Benjamin and talks to him softly. Before I left the hospital, Luke said he wanted to take the week off from school because he felt the need to be home taking care of me. Unfortunately, I couldn't take him up on his offer coming off a week of spring break but I appreciated his thoughtfulness.

Jett is also adjusting well. He is such a great helper and will run and grab a diaper for me or talk to Ben when he's crying. His compassion is really shining through. He also comes and gives me hugs and writes me little love notes when my postpartum hormones get the best of me. There was a little tinge of jealousy the first 48 hours just because Jett loves (and is so good at) being the center of attention but I think he realizes he still has the stronghold on that position. He' always dancing and singing and entertaining us with funny stories.

The hardest part (for me) of having a third child is making sure everyone gets the attention they need and deserve. I also need to be conscious of taking care of myself and not do too much too soon. However, I'm anxious to begin driving again so I can take the boys to school. I want to go to the park and play with the boys. I want to be able to run after them on their bikes. I want to go on dates with Mr. YSP. I know the time will come and I'm trying to be patient with myself and assure the boys I will heal soon. Life outside the home will resume but right now I'm trying to enjoy little moments, taking it all in and photographing as much as possible.

When we ARE ready to get out and about, I'm prepared, thanks to my friends at Skip Hop. If there's one baby product I would recommend to all new moms, it's the Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station. I love, love, love it and used it with the older boys too. I was due for a new one as my old one was pretty "well loved." It makes diaper changing on-the-go SO much easier!

They also sent me the Skip Hop Duo Special Edition Diaper Bag in French Stripe which is the perfect size and a great casual, everyday diaper bag. I love that it's cleanable, durable and has lots of pockets. With Luke, I used a "designer" diaper bag which was a very thoughtful gift from my husband. I still have it but it's not practical for everyday life with three boys. I carry it to church and on occasions when I need something a little more formal. Who says you can only have one diaper bag?

I also want to thank you for all the love, support and comments across social media! It means so much to me and is very encouraging. If you want to see more of our life at home and everyday YSP, please come follow me on Instagram. There's lots of good stuff over there that I sometimes don't have time to share here. Would love to connect with you there!

Your Southern Peach,

Amy

*Disclosure: Thank you Skip Hop for sending me the Pronto Changing Station and Skip Hop Due Special Edition Diaper Bag.

The Goombay Smash for Society Social

2015-04-09T20:27:00.000-04:00

Spring break is here and even though I'm anxiously awaiting baby boy's arrival, that hasn't stopped me from daydreaming about sunny beaches and tropical libations! I mixed up this pineapple dream over at Society Social after my friends at Captain Morgan sent me a few of their newest flavors, including coconut rum, grapefruit rum and pineapple rum. Just like that, the Goombay Smash was born and thankfully Mr. Southern Peach was a very willing taste tester. He gave it two thumbs up and declared it scRUMptious. Click over to Society Social and grab the Goombay Smash recipe pronto!

Happy Spring Breaking fellow peaches!

*photo and styling by Amy Mikkelsen for Society Social

Breakfast Tray with Copper Piping for Home Depot

2015-03-29T09:42:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, Home Depot asked me to participate in another fun DIY challenge. The challenge was to build something out of piping. I was a little hesitant to accept because I had never really worked with this material or a pipe cutter.

I chose to to make upcycle this simple tray into a beautiful breakfast-in-bed tray with copper legs. Seeing that baby boy #3 is due any day and Mother's Day is right around the corner, I thought I might drop some subtle hints with this tray.

I added some feminine touches to the tray with thin crafting wire on the handles and copper leafing on the legs. I think it softens it a bit, don't you?

For the full step by step on this Home Depot Style Challenge and more lovely images, hop over to the Home Depot apron blog and grab my directions. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions!

*styling and photos by Amy Mikkelsen for YSP

St. Patrick's Day Grasshopper IceBox Pie

2015-03-17T11:06:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! This holiday has always been overshadowed by my birthday which is just two days away. Clearly my mother was anticipating the possibility of a "St. Patrick's Day" baby because she gave me a sweet little Irish middle name, Colleen, which I've always loved.

I took some time yesterday to make one of my favorite desserts, grasshopper pie. Anything with mint and chocolate and I'm sold! This pie is one you can make in advance and serve right from the freezer. Doesn't get much easier than that, right? My guess is the little leprechauns will love getting their hands on this pie.

***** Grasshopper Icebox Pie*****
(serves 6)

// Ingredients //

22 Chocolate sandwich cookies (I like OREO), crushed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 (7 oz.) jar of marshmallow fluff
1/3 cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Milk
1 tablespoon Creme de Menthe
2 drops green food coloring
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
15 Andes candies for decorating

// Instructions //

1. In a 9 inch tart pan, combine crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter. Press down into the bottom of the pan and up the sides using the back of a spoon. Set aside.

2. Over low heat, combine marshmallow fluff and almond milk, stirring constantly until combined. Once combined, place saucepan in a bowl of ice and let completely cool. Once cool, add creme de menthe and food coloring and stir.

3. In a mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Then pour marshmallow mix into whipping cream and fold together gently.

4. Pour filling into chocolate crust, cover with saran wrap and place in freezer for at least 3 hours.

5. When ready to serve, remove pie from freezer, garnish with chopped Andes candies and serve immediately.

I served my pie with a glass of Almond Breeze milk, garnished with a drop of green food coloring and fresh mint!

*photo and styling by Amy Mikkelsen

** This post is sponsored by Almond Breeze Almond Milk. I received free samples and monetary compensation in exchange for this post. All monies are invested back into my blog so I can continue bringing you exceptional content.

Sweetheart Sangria: Valentines Day

2015-02-13T08:42:00.002-05:00

Hello loves! Just a quick note to wish you a wonderful weekend. What are you doing for Valentine's Day? Are you spending it with that special someone or hanging with your best girlfriends? Either way, this rose sangria or "sweetheart sangria" is sure to put a smile on your face.

You can find the recipe for this Valentine's cocktail over on Society Social. It's the perfect way to spread the love! XOXO

*photos and styling by Amy Mikkelsen

Life Lately...

2015-02-04T23:39:00.002-05:00

Life lately...Our family has seen a lot of change over the past few months!

In October we began searching for a new home after finding out we were expecting BABY BOY #3. We knew we needed more space to raise our family and as much as we adored our 1960's ranch on a basement, we were already busting at the seams! I expected our search to last well into spring but we found our new home right before Thanksgiving which threw us into a perpetual state of chaos right before the holidays. We then had to turn around and get our current house ready to sell. With the kids out of school and our house officially on the market, we decided it was easier to get away for the holidays than stay here and have to clean house for potential buyers everyday. We headed to South Carolina for Thanksgiving and stayed in Debordieu. Have you been there? It's a lovely spot near Pawley's Island.

We moved into the new house the first weekend of December and tried to get somewhat settled before Christmas. Luke just happened to turn 8 that weekend too. We took time to celebrate and somewhere there are pictures. He is such an awesome kid. I call him my gentle giant. He's got such a sweet heart and is so very patient with his energetic little brother, Jett.

Christmas break was spent lounging in our pjs and visiting with friends and family. We had a lot of visitors to the new house despite it's constant state of disarray.

The boys are doing a great job of breaking in the place. It's seen a ton of truck action as well as Nerf gun fights and wrestling matches. And I'm getting used to having stairs, especially being so pregnant!

Had to share a New Years Day photo with y'all too. Daniel (Mr. Your Southern Peach) outdid himself this year. The collards were amazing but the black eyed peas were his best ever. One day, I'll sit down and grab his recipe.

As for now, we are finally in a spot where we can actually start thinking and preparing for baby. The crib isn't assembled and is currently being used as a pretend "jail" where the boys lock up Grandma sometimes. We do not have a name for the baby yet and we still have to get a car that will fit our entire family. We DO have a car seat, some hand me down clothes and lots of love! It's a start...

Bold GameDay Shrimp

2015-01-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year y'all! Can you believe January is almost in the books? It feels great to be back into the world of blogging after a strenuous move over the holidays. We're slowly settling into the new house and I promise to share more personal details on Monday! I spent some time yesterday cooking up these delicious shrimp and discovering where the good light is in the new house and it felt so good to be doing something "normal."

What are your plans this weekend? We're catching up with friends and of course, watching the big game on Sunday. I teamed up with Blue Diamond to create these Bold Gameday Shrimp. Ever heard of the saying, "Go big or go home?" These shrimp are bold enough for the big day but not overly spicy. If you're anything like me, you enjoy the football game but you're really just there for the food, right? What's your favorite gameday snack?

***** Bold Game Day Shrimp *****

// Ingredients //

1/2 cup vegetable oil, more if needed
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 large egg
1 tablespoon hot sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup Blue Diamond Wasabi and Soy Sauce Almonds, coarsely ground *
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 lb. peeled and deveined shrimp
Sweet Thai Chili sauce for garnish

// Instructions //

In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, and hot sauce. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine Panko breads crumbs, ground almonds, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper.

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and set aside. Line a plate with paper towels and set aside.

One at a time, dip shrimp into buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then press shrimp into panko mixture, coating both sides. Place shrimp on prepared cookie sheet while dipping the remaining shrimp.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Working in batches, gently place shrimp into skillet. Allow to cook 2 minutes, flip and cook another minute. Remove promptly and place on plate lined with paper towels.

Serve with sweet Thai chili sauce and lemon slices!

*I used my coffee bean grinder for this task. Be careful not to over grind the almonds because you will end up with almond butter!

** This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. For more game changing snacks, visit Blue Diamond Almonds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Styling and photography by Amy Mikkelsen

Thanksgiving Leftovers :: The Day After

2014-11-28T11:08:00.004-05:00

Happy (Day After) Thanksgiving fellow peaches! How was your holiday? I love a traditional Thanksgiving at home but we decided to shake things up this year and escape to the South Carolina coast with family. We're enjoying the downtime and the boys are having a blast playing with their cousins everyday. We have been so busy on the home front lately, so this time away has been great for us. Looking forward to writing more in the weeks to come regarding some exciting changes for our family. In the meantime, I hope you're enjoying leftovers and the long holiday weekend!

*styling and photography by Amy Mikkelsen

Home Depot Holiday Style Challenge Reveal

2014-11-18T22:54:00.001-05:00

I'm excited to post that my Home Depot style challenge went live today! You may remember last spring when I participated in the Home Depot patio style challenge. This time around was a similar experience except I was decorating for Christmas in October!

I received my Home Depot style challenge shipment late in September... seven boxes to be exact. The shipment also included a seven foot Christmas tree and a challenge to create a dining room fit for the holidays. I quickly got to work transforming our casual dining space since this is where we spend the majority of our time opening gifts, eating breakfast and enjoying morning festivities. My goal for this space was to make it comfortable and fun for all ages, hence the hot chocolate and bubbly bar!

For all my Christmas decor and entertaining tips, please head over to the Home Depot website and check out the full holiday style challenge post. (Plus they have the best pictures from the photo shoot!)

*styling and photography by Amy Mikkelsen

Florals with Ashley Woodson Bailey

2014-10-28T15:51:00.001-04:00

Hello friends! The past month has been a whirlwind of school activities, fall travels, baseball games and various other commitments. My busy schedule left me completely exhausted and drained of creative energy. When my friend and talented designer, Ashley Woodson Bailey, offered a floral workshop in her new studio off the Marietta Square, I took the opportunity to recharge my batteries and my creativity.

I've been following Ashely's work via social media for a couple years now, even before her move from Texas to Atlanta. Ironically, her move landed her just minutes from my own home and shortly after, our paths began to cross. A few years ago, Ashley survived a horrific car accident that left her with a broken back and lengthy recovery. Her path was changed and while she always knew she would work with flowers, she wasn't sure where her journey would take her. Fast forward to now and Ashley is a budding entrepreneur, artist, floral designer and photographer.

She recently opened her new shop called 200 Mill where she displays her artwork, collaborates with other artists and hosts workshops. Ashley shared her skills and years of experience with us during the workshop, allowing us to create our own gorgeous floral creations. She gave us just the right amount of guidance without hindering our own creative process, which was just what I needed. I could have spent hours playing with the gorgeous stems!

Never in a million years did I think I could create a flower arrangement so beautiful! Yes, I MADE this!

It was hard to go wrong with the lovely flowers and stems Ashley had on hand for us.

Ashley let us make a mess of her studio, assuring us that most creative processes result in some mess. It's all part of the beauty. Even the clippings are stunning, don't you think? While we worked, Ashley shared her personal story, her love for flowers, how the accident changed her work and how she blossomed in the end. She says, "every stem has a story" and her story is certainly inspiring and hopeful.

After the design process, Ashley led us outside for a lesson on how she shoots and edits her photos. She can spend hours in this process, capturing the perfect shot or detail of a flower. I am continuously amazed that she uses her iphone to create such masterpieces. After she's finished editing, the final images are sent off to a top notch printer and shipped to customers around the world.

If you haven't discovered Ashley's work yet, be sure to visit her website, http://www.ashleywoodsonbailey.com/ I also LOVE this recent feature on her via One King's Lane, where you can also shop her prints until Sunday, November 2.

*photos by Amy Mikkelsen

Honey Chipotle Peach Salad

2014-08-27T12:14:00.003-04:00

August is national peach month so I've been trying to consume my fair share to support the local farmers. While I love peaches in cocktails, desserts and salsas, nothing seems to beat a plain perfectly ripe peach. However, with the Georgia heat, peaches seem to ripen so quick that I have to find creative ways to eat them before they're past their prime. This salad was an easy weeknight summer meal and the different flavors and textures were a great combination! I received some honey roasted chipotle almonds from Blue Diamond and added them to the dish and the spice was a heavenly match to the sweet Georgia peaches. What's your favorite way to enjoy a summer peach?

// Ingredients //

1 peach, pitted, peeled and chopped
1 cup spinach
1/8 cup sliced red onion
1/8 cup roasted garbanzo beans
1/8 cooked and crispy diced pancetta
1/8 cup Blue Diamond honey roasted chipotle almonds

Dressing:

1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp dijon mustard

// Instructions //

1. Roast garbanzo beans at 400 degrees for 20 minutes and set aside to cool. Then saute pancetta over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until crispy. Set aside to cool.

2. Mix dressing ingredients and set aside. Assemble salad starting with spinach. Layer additional ingredients and top with homemade dressing. Serve and enjoy!

*This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond. All opinions are my own!
** Photography and styling by Amy Mikkelsen

The Weekend Cheers: Skinny Beach Bum

2014-08-15T16:53:00.002-04:00

This cocktail has been on solid rotation all summer, particularly at the beach a few weeks ago, hence the name of this drink. I loooove the Smirnoff Sorbet Light Pineapple Coconut Vodka! Have you tried it yet? If not, RUN to the liquor store around the corner and pick up a bottle for the weekend. It's also low-cal...awesome!! To make the shredded coconut stick to the side of the glass, simply dip the rim in a little honey and you've got a delicious garnish. Cheers to the weekend fellow peaches! Hope it's a good one.

*****Skinny Beach Bum*****

// Ingredients //

1.5 oz. Smirnoff Sorbet Light Pineapple Coconut Vodka
2 oz. Grapefruit Juice
Shredded sweetened coconut, honey and a pineapple wedge for garnish

// Instructions //

Combine vodka and juice over ice. Garnish and serve!

*photo and styling by Amy Mikkelsen

Strawberry-Watermelon Infused Water

2014-08-12T08:57:00.003-04:00

We're slowly adjusting to our new school routine but I refuse to toss summer aside. This strawberry watermelon infused water was just the ticket to lift my spirits and hold onto the season a little longer. One sip of this drink and I knew summer was here to stay for a little while longer. And the sweet watermelon and tart strawberries balance each other perfectly!

Infused waters are a great way to consume beneficial vitamins without a ton of extra calories. Watermelon is full of antioxidants and amino acids while strawberries are a Vitamin C powerhouse. Did you know watermelon may even assist with soothing sore muscles? With most of my infused water recipes, I try to squeeze a little lemon in for the detoxifying effects. Feel free to get creative with your infused waters and use whatever you have laying around or growing in your summer garden!

***** Strawberry Watermelon Infused Water *****

// Ingredients //

1 cup strawberries, stems removed

1 cup watermelon, cubed

Juice of half a lemon

32 oz. water

// Instructions //

1. In a blender, combine strawberries, watermelon and lemon juice. Puree until smoother. Then, pour juice through fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds. (You may have to use the back of a spoon to work it through.) You should have about 1/2 cup of fruit juice.

2. Add fruit juice to 32 ounces of water and chill. When ready to serve, pour over ice and leftover fresh fruit.

*Photography and styling by Amy Mikkelsen

Notes To my Children

2014-08-11T17:08:00.002-04:00

{A weekly portrait project} 21 // 52

Luke: You started 2nd grade last week. When I asked you what you were most looking forward to on the first day, you replied, "Dismissal!" I thought I could keep it together this year so I decided to walk you in on the first day instead of coasting through carpool armed with a box of tissues. Just as you bravely walked toward you classroom and I thought I was safe, you ran back to me and gave me the tightest little hug that felt as if you'd never let go. I'm sorry I quickly pushed you along. One more moment and would have become "that mom."

Jett: This past weekend you obliged me with a game of Yahtzee on the front porch and beat me fair and square. I see a rematch in your future.

Notes to my Children

2014-08-06T21:08:00.003-04:00

{A weekly portrait project} 20 // 52

Luke: We surprised you with one last trip to the beach before you begin second grade. You come alive at the beach, you love the water and have a pretty mean survival float.

Jett: You are enamored with boogie boarding and riding the waves with Dad. We had a hard time keeping you out of the water and Daddy even got you your own board.