once in a blue moon

I really, really should....

Go for a picnic and a bike ride...

Taste the goodness of figs...

Twirl my skirt...

 Roll the dice...

Enjoy your weekend and hope you catch a glimpse of the blue moon today.

Photo sources: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Wee Readers: Charlotte's Web

If you saw my post yesterday, you know that Luke and I finished reading our first chapter book together this summer.  Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White, was an obvious choice for me and while Luke was a little unsure about reading a book with no pictures, he always begged to read more at the end of each chapter.  I promised Luke that at the end of each chapter book, we would have a fun little book party.  Kinda like a kiddie book club! I kept it simple, using kid friendly snacks and decorations from around the house. He absolutely adored it and we're hoping to start our next book soon.  Here's the details for our Charlotte's Web party....

I had these denim and bandana place mats from ages ago and they were perfect for our party.

 I found these small metal pails and pink pigs in the dollar section at target.  My only purchase for this party!

Snack food was popcorn, white chocolate and pretzel spiderwebs and good ol' H20.

He loved the chocolate spider webs, which were super easy to make.  Keep reading for some tips!

Gathered up a few farm animals and a tractor for a quick centerpiece and we were ready for our mini book club.

I admit, I personally loved this book, even though I cried like a baby at the end.  (Luke got a little teary eyed too.)  When we finished, we talked about things like friendship, making judgements, loyalty and ironically, the food chain.  Luke loved how Fern was so loyal to Wilbur and I'm 99.9% sure that he will never eat a piece of bacon again.  We also have an ENORMOUS spider web on our back deck that he refuses to let me destroy.  That spider is really living the high life!

So now that I've started this little "Wee Readers Book Club," do you have any suggestions for our next book?  I'm open to ideas so throw some out to me pretty please!

Wanna read Charlotte's Web too?  Here's a great Charlotte's Web teaching resource for helping your kids get the most out of the novel.  Happy reading!

Tips for spiderwebs:

• line baking sheet with wax paper
• lay out pretzel sticks in a circular pattern
• melt white chocolate (I use Bakers squares) and place in a piping bag with small circular tip
• pipe chocolate in a circular pattern, then in between pretzel sticks and in the center of the circle
• place baking sheets in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and allow chocolate to harden
• when ready, gently peel webs from wax paper and enjoy.

Life at its finest

Fresh Georgia peaches and light summer snacks....

Private time with Jett and encouraging Luke in his new adventures in kindergarten...

Ending summer vacation with s'mores and a children's classic.... Luke wants a pig now!

Planning fall planting and enjoying my heat resistant black-eyed susans....

Iced coffee and date nights at home...

I know some of you follow me on Instagram @yoursouthernpeach but for those of you who don't, I wanted to share a few "real life" things with you.  Like many of you, we're transitioning from summer to school year which is hectic yet exciting.  Little Jett has already fallen victim to a nasty stomach virus after only one week in school but I thought I'd spare you those images.  (You can thank me later!) 

 Any of you on Instagram?  Leave a comment with your handle so I can keep up with you too!

Peach Salsa

Peach season is coming to a close so I couldn't help sharing one more peachy recipe with you.  This salsa is amazing.  Seriously good stuff.  Throw it on grilled chicken, fish, flank steak, greens or just keep it simple with some crunchy tortilla chips.  It's similar to my mango salsa recipe but just a little sweeter which makes it the perfect dish to savor summer.

Also, congratulations to Jewel Hazelton! You won the faux ostrich handbag from Your Dream Shoes!  We'll be contacting you soon so you can strut your stuff with your new bag.  Thanks to everyone who entered and be sure to stay in touch with Your Dream Shoes as they add new fall items to their website this week.

2 peaches, peeled, pitted and diced
2 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/2 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/2 cup chopped scallions, ends removed
1 handful cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. salt

Combine ingredients in a bowl.  Mix and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Will stay fresh up to 2 days when kept refrigerated.

Sunday Best

Acne racerback tank top / Mango elastic waist pants  / Sam Edelman sandals / Wallis summer handbag / J.Crew j crew jewelry / Kate Spade clip earrings / Mango silk scarve  / Kate Spade eyewear / Rimmel mascara / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics face moisturizer

Weekend Cheers: Tailgating Edition

Today, I'm head over heels for these collegiate treats from Southern Living.  Can you believe the SEC football season begins next week?  College football is a HUGE part of life in the south and these tasty creations are a shining example of why we southerners are world famous for our hospitality!  Can you imagine showing up to a tailgate with these in tow?  Try premixing the cocktails in sealed mason jars and adding ice upon arrival.

You can find the recipes for these cocktails and cupcakes, at Southern Living's website and for more tailgating fun, check out Southern Living's Official SEC Tailgating Cookbook  (It's on sale and ships free via Amazon!)

Happy Weekend!

Ostrich Bag Giveaway

Today's post is sponsored by Your Dream Shoes, a young and trendy online accessories boutique that was started by my friend Sarah who decided to DO what she loved!  How cool is that?  I love people who take the plunge and follow their dreams.  Your Dream Shoes offers handbags, shoes and jewelry priced under the $100 mark.  (Plus always free shipping!)    

Today, Your Dream Shoes is giving one lucky reader the above faux ostrich top handle bag that is the most gorgeous coral color.  All you have to do is "Like" Your Dream Shoes on  Facebook and leave a comment mentioning my blog!  The contest will be open until 9 pm on Sunday, when the winner will be chosen at random.  

For more info on Your Dream Shoes and how Sarah started her business, check out my short interview with her below!

Thanks for sharing Sarah and good luck to all my fellow peaches!

John Lewis $615 // Miu Miu $3360 // Hermes $36,500 // Michael Kors $895

Dirty Dancing 25th Anniversary

Today marks the 25th anniversary of one of my favorite movies, Dirty Dancing .  Growing up, my little sister and I would practice every dance move from the movie in the privacy of our own living room.  Anyone else want to confess to doing something similar?  And hello, Patrick Swayze?  That man had some serious dance moves. To celebrate this fabulous flick, I've paired it with nothing other than an ice cold watermelon margarita. So grab your favorite dance partner and enjoy the perfect summer date night!  

art of bento

Do you bento?  I'm crazy for bento lunches!  Remember this post last year? Since many of us are in back to school mode, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some bento goodies with you again.

There are some really, really talented bento "artists" out there.  I am not one of them.  However, I try to make lunch fun for the boys.  I'm a big fan of the silicone baking cups and lunch punch products.  Even cookie cutters can make a simple slice of cheese more fun.  Luke is eating mostly at school now so I'm down to making just one lunch.  (Queue the tears!)  Oh well, there's always breakfast and snack time to get creative.

How fun would it be to wake up/come home to one of these little plates?  I think this may be my new favorite blog!    Seriously amazing stuff here.

photo by Jill Dubien

Want to see what my kids really eat?  Check out and follow my board on Pinterest titled, "My Kids Eat."  Who says playing with your food is a bad thing?

Accessories: sushi grass // egg mold, rabbit and bear// silicon cups // animal food picks
Books: Yum-Yum Bento Box // The Lunch Box
Boxes: red bento box // Geisha Doll  // pink // blue
Cutters: stainless veggie cutters // mini sandwich punch // carrot slicer // lunch punch

Sunday Best

Madewell silk shirt dress / Steve Madden flat heels / Beach handbag / Coach dome ring / Amrita Singh enamel cuff bracelet / Marc by Marc Jacobs butterfly stud earrings / Kate Spade tech accessory / Benefit highlighter makeup, 

Junior Mint Martini and Raspberry Ginger Cocktail

What's better than cocktailing for personal pleasure?  Cocktails for a cause!

My friend and neighbor is the founder of Corrigan Care, a special needs childcare center here in Atlanta.  Her story is nothing short of touching and inspiring.  I had the pleasure of meeting her daughter Emmy once, when she was only six months old.  Even at such a young age, she was charming and captivating.  She truly had the smile of an angel!

Each year, Corrigan Care hosts "Emmy's Bash", a fundraising event that also honors the exuberance of Emmy herself.  It's happening this Saturday here in metro Atlanta and Amy, the founder and CEO of Corrigan Care, asked if I would create two signature cocktails for the event.  I jumped on the opportunity and embraced the center's pink and green signature colors as a starting point for these cocktails.

I hope you'll give them a try and toast to the beautiful life of little Emmy and the dedication of her fearless mother.  Cheers to Corrigan Care!