Knock on Wood

I often describe myself as conservative on the outside, hippie on the inside.  That goes for both my style and my political opinions but we'll leave that discussion for the political blogs.  

I love the organic, yet still classic, feel of these wooden pieces, especially now that we're approaching warmer months.  I can see each of these paired with a bright sundress or jeans and a tank!

(L-R 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8)

A party by Camille Styles

Yesterday, I got an unexpected email about a soiree going on at one of my favorite bloggers Camille Styles.  To my surprise, I was the inspiration for this gorgeous party!  She never disappoints, especially on Mondays, where she features event inspiration titled, "Monochromatic Mondays."  A must read for a Monday morning pick-me-up.

I'm gonna consider this a belated virtual birthday celebration so hop over to Camille Styles and say hello for more inspiration!

Some new accessories

Hi friends!  How was your weekend?  I'm so happy to say we had a rather uneventful weekend with the exception of a very entertaining T-ball game.  As my mother in law said, "Who needs comedy when you have T-Ball?" So true!

We got our little guy decked out in his gear for the team photo and I couldn't resist taking some shots of my own with the new accessory I received for my birthday last weekend.  My husband surprised me with this amazing lens because I'm really enjoying the food photography I'm doing here at YSP.  When I started this blog, I never thought that would be what peaked my interest but I really love it.

I'm also impressed with the portrait shots we got with this lens and look forward to practicing more on my favorite subjects, the boys!  For those of you who know me, I photograph my kids daily...sometimes multiple times.  It's almost a sickness.  I'm sure there's a name for it but I'm too tired to look it up.

Yes, the dogwoods are blooming in GA!  The macro lens captured it so well.

We also picked up some new accessories for our play set in the backyard, also referred to as the command post.

And a new swing for little man, who has absolutely no fear of his big brother pushing him really fast.  The higher he goes, the more he giggles and kicks those little legs.

Happy Monday fellow peaches and thanks for visiting today!

Sunday Best

Untitled by yoursouthernpeach featuring fendi handbags

Boudicca short dress
$1,920 - thecorner.com

Yves Saint Laurent high heels
$995 - cultstatus.com.au

Fendi handbag
795 EUR - luisaviaroma.com

Gerard Yosca turquoise bead necklace
$175 - charmandchain.com

Diamond stud earring
tacori.com

Retro sunglass
298 EUR - mytheresa.com

Darphin - Stimulskin Plus Intensive Face Lifting 10x3ml
$270 - yesstyle.com

Homemade Guacamole

Did you know I love avocados?  I pretty much love any food that is green, except olives. Gross.  Just another random fact about me.  Did you know that avocado is also known as the fertility food?  So, if you wanna make some babies, get to makin' this recipe.  Pair it with a cocktail or two and I'd say your chances are pretty good.

Now that we have that out of the way, I want to share with you my favorite guacamole recipe.  It's not Earth shattering in any way but it's simple and good. When you mash this delectable fruit, (yes it's a fruit) and mix it with some key ingredients, you get a near perfect guacamole that can be served with chips, veggies, crackers or...a cocktail.  It's Friday right? 

Ingredients:

3 ripe avocado (almost black and soft to the touch-this is key!)

1/4 cup finely diced red onion

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

juice of two limes

1/2 tsp. of salt

1/4 tsp. white pepper

1/4 tsp. cumin

Cut the avocados into halves and remove the seeds.  (I do this by carefully tapping the blade of my santoku knife into the seed and then twisting.  Remove the seed from the blade and discard.)  Next cut the halves into quarters and peel the avocados.    In a large bowl combine the quartered avocados and remaining ingredients.  With a fork, begin mashing the mixture until you achieve a smooth consistency.  Fold the mixture several times over to combine ingredients.  You can also use a potato masher if you keep one in your kitchen.  

You can either serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.  If you choose to chill your guacamole, you will want to avoid browning  by placing a layer of plastic wrap directly on top of the mixture, allowing for no air pockets.  It doesn't get much easier than that!  

I'm looking forward to a very uneventful weekend with the exception of a T-ball game.  What are you planning for the weekend?

Mint Condition

One of my favorite colors is on for Spring! How will you put a little mint in your life?

 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9

Barbecue Chicken Pizza

This is one of my favorite weeknight meals.  It's quick, easy and pretty healthy.  I usually use a fresh roasted chicken (barbecue flavored) from my local grocer but you can certainly grill your own bbq chicken or use some that is leftover from a previous meal.  I also like to use a ready made pizza crust just to speed up the process.  You can't mess this up and while there is no exact science on how to assemble a pizza, here is my winning combination for the perfect barbecue chicken pizza.

1 ready made pizza crust

1/4 cup barbeque sauce

1/2 barbecue flavored rotisserie chicken, removed from bone and chopped

1/2 cup fresh shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 red pepper, chopped

1/4 red onion, diced

1/8 cup cilantro, chopped

On a clean, flat surface, evenly spread the barbecue sauce on top of the pizza crust.  Add next six ingredients, evenly distributing across the entire pizza.  Cook according to pizza crust package or until crust is slightly browned and cheese is melted.

Enjoy!

Birthday Highlights

Officially another year older.  Thanks to all of you who made it extra special!

Sunday Best

Untitled by yoursouthernpeach featuring pearl cluster earrings

Felicity Brown silk dress
$1,729 - barneys.com

Alexandre Birman platform high heels
$475 - net-a-porter.com

French Connection clutch
112 GBP - frenchconnection.com

Ten Thousand Things pearl cluster earring
$1,575 - barneys.com

Melissa Joy Manning ring
$400 - greenwichjewelers.com

House of Harlow 1960 glass shade
$121 - singer22.com

Versace Other 33ml011oz Sensual Glam Full Volume Lipstick - V2018 for...
$13 - perfumezilla.com

Body Wash & Shower Gel - Bath & Body Works
$11 - bathandbodyworks.com

33

Source: weheartit.com via Amy on Pinterest

Today is the last day I'll be 33.  I'm celebrating another birthday tomorrow and I'm okay with it. Coincidentally, as of today, I've worked out 33 days in a row.  Don't ask.  It's called determination to lose the last several pounds of baby weight before my "baby" turns one next month and a harmless challenge from my husband, which I am winning.

Here are 33 things I plan on doing this weekend in celebration of my birthday.

1.  Sleep in

2.  Kiss my husband

3.  Attend Luke's first ever T-ball game

4.  Probably cry watching him

5.  Hit the Bruster's afterwards

6.  Snuggle my baby, Jett

7.  Get a pedicure 

8.  Welcome a new season with a spring equinox yoga class

9.  See my favorite yogis

10. Take a long hot shower...without interruptions

11. Attend church for the 2nd Sunday of Lent

12.  Pray Jett doesn't give the nursery volunteers a hard time

13. Visit my dermatologist

14. Ask her why it looks like someone dragged a rake across my forehead

15. Indulge in a full fat Latte afterwards 

16.  Enjoy a birthday celebration cookout hosted by my in-laws

17.  Relax in their hammock

18.  Sip a refreshing cocktail in the hammock

19.  Snuggle Jett in hammock

20.  Hug my mom

21.  Keep her from crying as she recollects my birth 

22.  Hug my older sister and Skype little sis

23.  Watch the kids throw some fishing poles into the pond

24.  Take lots of photos 

25.  Dinner at Ormsby's with best friends

26.  Try their hot boiled peanuts

27.  Try their pimento cheese and corn fritters

28.  Attempt a game of Bocce

29.  Drink lots of Sweetwater 420

30.  Work in my yard

31.  Tuck my kids into bed

32.  Tell my husband how much I love him

33.  Try not to think about the fact that I am now 34

Cream of Potato Soup

Kiss me, I'm Irish!  Well maybe. 

I'm pretty sure I have some bit of Irish in me even though I haven't researched this claim extensively.   I know that I have extremely fair skin and a lot of red in my hair that has been chemically enhanced to appear blonde.  I love the color green, rainbows and beer.  I also have the luck of the Irish when getting primo parking spaces. 

Okay, let's get to that yummy soup you see up above.  If you want to know why the Irish love their potatoes, nerd out for a second and read up on some history.  If you want to go ahead and just change your life for the better, than make this soup for your next meal.  

Recipe courtesy of this Southern Living Cookbook and adapted to the preservation of my waistline.

6 large russet potatoes or 1 bag of Sunlite Low Carb potatoes, washed, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes (about 3-3.5 lbs of potatoes)

1 small spanish onion

3 (14 oz) cans of low fat chicken stock (42 oz. total)

3 gloves garlic, pressed

1/4 cup butter

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1 cup half and half 

1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded

3 tablespoons chopped scallions 

4 oz. sour cream

4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

1. Combine first seven ingredients in a 5 qt. slow cooker

2. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours or until potato is tender

3. Mash mixture until potatoes are coarsely chopped and soup is slightly thickened; stir in half and half and cheese.

4.  Top with scallions, sour cream and bacon if desired.

Makes about 12 cups and is great the next day.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Season of Simplicity

The season of simplicity is upon us. 

For some it may mean a good spring cleaning is in order and for others it may mean an increased focus on the Lenten season with reflection, moderation and prayer.  And for those of us who are really thoughtful, we may combine the two!

Whether you're spring cleaning your home or preparing your heart for Easter, I thought these images were a good reminder that sometimes less is more.  

(Images via Elle Decor)