Independence Day with a Twist

I'm looking forward to celebrating the 4th of July! It's always been a favorite holiday of mine.  It's the embodiment of summer and the menu calls for all the American classics that we love so much.  While the classics aren't usually meant to be toyed with, I love the idea of giving them a fresh twist to keep things interesting.

So throw some avocado on that burger, add some feta to the watermelon or a few fresh mango slices in the lemonade!  I guarantee your guests will remember more than just the fireworks!

{Menu, Recipes and Photo Credits} 

Grilled Corn Salsa  

Crispy Kale Chips  

Custom Sliders 

Watermelon Salad 

Peach Raspberry Slab Pie 

Mango Lemonade

What dishes or recipes do you consider classic all-American?  Are you still planning your meal or are you cruising into the weekend with a menu in mind?  If you're still looking for inspiration, you can also check out my post from last year where I hosted my family and developed an obsession with these.

The Color of Summer

I encourage all new moms to continue doing the things they really enjoy so I was thrilled this past weekend when my sister felt well enough physically to cruise down to her favorite local farmer's market.  We even took the baby who seemed to enjoy the simple pleasure of the sunshine!

Being outside in the fresh air, even for short walks or a cup of coffee on the porch, is so important during those weeks after having a baby.  We all need a little vitamin D and I think a change of scenery is always refreshing.

I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of the prettiest things I spotted at the market.  I love all the colors of summer florals and produce, so vibrant and exciting!

But of course, the prettiest thing I saw during my trip was this little "peach." Isn't she an angel? 

I hope you're doing something today that you enjoy!

Feeling Crabby

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

I'm fresh back from my trip to Maryland where I had such a great time catching up with my sister, snuggling my new niece and having my first ever Maryland crab cake from here.  By the way, they ship fresh cakes via FedEx for all you crab lovers out there!

My sister is a wonderful mommy already and the baby is oh so sweet.  When I came home to my own 15 month old "baby," he looked like a giant!  I swear he doubled in size while I was away.  The boys did great in the care of my husband but I sure did miss them!  

Hope ya'll enjoyed your weekend and thanks for stopping by!  

Sunday Best

Untitled by yoursouthernpeach featuring zebra shoes

H M short top
£7.49 - hm.com

Preen full black skirt
£619 - matchesfashion.com

Neu Aura zebra shoes
£40 - fashion-conscience.com

ASOS envelope clutch bag
£20 - asos.com

GALA Curios cuff jewelry
£199 - kabiri.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins ring
£7.50 - dorothyperkins.com

Betsey Johnson flower jewelry
$30 - zappos.com

Folding umbrella
$130 - barneys.com

Kate Spade Twirl Body Cream, 5 oz
$45 - macys.com

(3-Pack) Nail Polish
$15 - americanapparel.net

The Friday Five

Five Kids

anatomy of a southern belle

stocking the pool house

summer party dress codes

sunlight

icemilk aprons

Rachel Zoe: Resort 2012

There's been some buzz about the upcoming season premiere of The Rachel Zoe Project on August 2 and I must admit, I'm looking forward to it.  I love her boho-glam style and think she's pretty spot on most of the time.  I'm also really interested to see if or how her style changes now that she's a new mom.

I've been feeling a little fashion deprived lately, despite my efforts to wear all of my closet this summer and not just my comfy tanks and flip flops.  These images from Rachel's latest Resort 2012 collection are just what I need to lift my summer fashion-lovin' spirit.  What do you think?

These last two are my absolute favorites.  I'd wear them in a heartbeat!  How about you?  Any of them speaking to you today?

Thanks to all of you for your sweet comments and encouragement the past few days.  I adore my fellow peaches!

(images via Style.com)

Going Away

Via

My friends, remember that peaceful and refreshed feeling I spoke of yesterday? Well, how quickly it disappears for a busy mom like me and probably many of you too!

Bear with me over the next few days as I prepare to leave my family and visit my sister to help with my new niece, Ellie.  My oldest son Luke has been running a fever for two days and is finally on the mends.  I still need to pack for my trip and make sure the house is in order and the fridge is stocked for my husband to play "Mr. Mom" for a few days.  I know he will do great but truthfully, I'm scared.  I'm very scared.

I have an abnormal amount of anxiety about leaving my family for four days.  I most likely need to see a therapist but there's no time!

Any other moms feel like this?

Spa Day

Hi there! Are you as tired as I am?  We had a busy weekend and spent much of Sunday celebrating my wonderful husband.  I hope all of you enjoyed spending time with the special guys in your life too!

Speaking of wonderful, my husband surprised me last week by informing me I would be spending half a day at the spa on Saturday.  I felt a bit guilty indulging myself on a weekend that was supposed to celebrate him, but he insisted.  Really, he did!  See the note I woke up to on Thursday morning?

Apparently, I've been dropping hints the last few weeks about wanting to escape to my favorite local spa and while I honestly have no recollection of making such comments (out loud), I cannot deny having thoughts like the following:

"I'm gonna leave you guys here in your mayhem and foolishness while I go relax at the spa."

Or...

"For the 100th time, I know you really, really want that Lego set from Target! Mommy wants a lot of things too, like a day at the spa, but you don't see me there everyday, do you?"

You get the picture, right?  Well, after my much needed visit, I returned refreshed and renewed.  Do you ever notice how difficult it is to  really    s  l   o   w     d  o  w  n  ?  It's harder than it seems.  Quieting your mind, being present and truly relaxing you mind, body and spirit.  

I took some mental notes during my little getaway and left the spa dreaming of ways to create a more serene environment at home.   I plan to add some things like this and this (smells SO good) and definitely one of these.

How about you?  Do you have any special things that help bring some Zen into your home?  I'd love to hear your ideas!

Sunday Best

SUNO New York silk dress
$379 - barneys.com

Michael Antonio stiletto heels
$27 - endless.com

Zara messenger bag
$70 - zara.com

Skagen watch
$105 - nordstrom.com

Anuja Tolia stone ring
$173 - maxandchloe.com

Zoe & Morgan chandelier earrings
$235 - stylebop.com

Juicy Couture retro sunglasses
$120 - endless.com

BeneFit BadGal Plum Mascara
$19 - macys.com

Opi Nail Lacquer In ‘Miami Beet’
£11 - harrods.com

The Friday Five

via

take me away
made me cry
decadent dad
summer cocktail
glitter guide

Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce

Photo by YSP

As promised, here is my favorite Greek inspired recipe I've been looking forward to sharing with ya'll. On our visit, I learned that tzatziki sauce is a common condiment or garnish served in Greece.  It's an extremely healthy and versatile sauce that pairs well with meats, fish and vegetables.  One thing that is imperative when making this tzatziki is to use a true Greek yogurt and an English (seedless) cucumber.

We've been enjoying the sauce on top of a chicken gyro.  Here's the skinny on the photo above.  Start with a piece of flatbread, top with arugula, grilled chicken, red onion, feta and tzatziki sauce.  It's so, so yummy and has become a summer staple in our house!


Tzatziki Sauce (makes about 2/3 cup)

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1/2 English cucumber, finely diced

1 garlic clove, minced and crushed
1 tsp. minced dill

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

In a food processor, combine ingredients.  Serve immediately as a garnish or refridgerate for later use.

Word Up

Blue Crush

1.2.3

I'm feeling a little inspired by the Greek Islands after yesterday's trip down memory lane.  The best part about these dresses is that their all under $100, which leaves us more money to spend on our dream vacation!

Santorini, Greece

Hello again.  Did you enjoy your weekend?  On Friday, I realized it was six years ago this week that my husband and I were visiting one of the most beautiful spots on the globe, the Greek island of Santorini.

You know those unforgettable vacations that leave you wondering when you'll ever get the chance to return?  After attending our friends wedding in the port town of Rafina and a two day stay in Athens, we sailed away to paradise and stayed at the Rocabella suites and spa.

I'm gonna take a trip down memory lane.  Wanna come along?

Blue domed roofs everywhere...

Spectacular blue water everywhere...it's impossible to take a bad picture.  See that beach below?

Infamous sunsets of Oia...ahhhh.

Color inspiration anyone? Rust, corals, turquoise, blush and royal blue.  Breathtaking!

And the beaches, oh the beaches!  So diverse depending on your location on the island.

Black Beach aka Perivolos Beach

And Red Beach - by far, one of my most memorable experiences of the trip.  Unlike any beach I've seen before, I highly recommend visiting this gem despite it's off the beaten path location.

The cliffs of the caldera

Random fact: I rode up this hill on a donkey and felt guilty the entire time.  Poor animal, God bless 'em.

Other great things to do in Santorini are hiking the actual volcano...

And swimming in the muddy hot springs loaded with sulfur that's healing and restorative for the skin.

And of course, I have to include one of my favorite photos of my handsome husband, who carried my overpacked luggage and oversized hairdryer.  

Thanks for coming along on my holiday! In honor of the fabulous Greek culture and their delicious food, I'm sharing one of my favorite Greek inspired recipes later this week.  Please stop by and visit again soon!

Until then, Opa!