Blueberry Almond White Chocolate Clusters

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

Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

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).

New Mom Essentials

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.

Nectar Sunglasses: 10% Promo Code

Did you notice my new sunnies on my recent beach trip? They're from Nectar and I absolutely love them! After getting lots of questions about them, I knew I had to share this stylish AND affordable brand with y'all. 

Nectar prides itself on it's diverse following, ranging from athletes, artists and musicians. Their Instagram account is pretty fun to follow too. Think extreme sports and beach life. It's kinda like a mini vacation at your fingertips with lots of good people watching.

I had a really hard time choosing just one pair but went with the Stoke pair.  I love that they have scratch resistant film on the lenses because I'm notorious for just throwing them in the beach bag at the end of the day. They're also lightweight, have 100% UV protection and a very durable frame. The best part is they're only $20!!! I'm thinking the Abyss pair will be the next addition to my wardrobe.

Want a pair of your own? Nectar is offering YSP readers 10% off with the promo code lovenectar. You can peruse the site here! 

And someone else was a big fan of my new shades. Maybe we'll see a Nectar kids line in the future?

*Nectar sponsored this post and provided me a pair of sunglasses for review. All opinions are my own.Abyss

Georgia Crafted

Hello fellow peaches, this post is MADE for you. No, really it is! Have you heard of Georgia Crafted? 

Until recently, I had not and I'm thrilled to share it with you here. They're a monthly subscription service  which consists of 4-5 carefully curated full-sized products made by Georgia artisans and delivered directly to your front door.  Items can range from food, candles, music, teas, art, stationary, bath and body products and more. I love the idea of this because as much as I would LOVE to hit the farmers markets every weekend to support local artisans and discover new products, my schedule just doesn't allow it. And knowing that Georgia Crafted only selects the best of the best assures me that my box is going to brimming with peach-state goodness. 

Each box also includes detailed description on the products and it's maker which is always fun to read about.  You can also choose from different subscriptions which makes it perfect for gifting. How fun would this be to gift to a new neighbor or that person who already has everything?

My January box just happened to be all food products which y'all know I love but I'm looking forward to what else Georgia Crafted sends my way. To stay up-to-date on all things Georgia Crafted and support your local economy, be sure to "Like" their Facebook page here.  You never know what you'll discover on your own front porch!

*Disclaimer - Georgia Crafted gifted me with a box for review but all opinions are my own.

**Thank you to Mr. Southern Peach for modeling for this post. Unfortunately, he's not included y'all!

Weekend Cheers: Captain's Table Announcement!

Happy Friday! How are you fellow peaches? I'm going into this weekend on a major high. I found out on Wednesday that celebrity chef Hugh Acheson chose my Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Hot Buttered Rum Apples and Spiced Almond Coquito as the winner of the Captain's Table Challenge in December! (More about the challenge here.) As you can imagine I'm totally giddy and honored to snag this win. I use the word snag because there's some tough competition from the other 14 bloggers participating in this campaign.

I'm looking forward to the last challenge for the Captain's Table which will feature Superbowl recipes and appear at the end of the month. Thank you for all of your encouragement and remember to share these recipes using the hashtag #captainstable to help raise money for Why Hunger. Find more Captain's Table and rum inspired recipes on Pinterest. Enjoy your weekend and stay warm friends.

Click here for the recipe! 

*top image credit

Entertaining with Beatriz Ball and a Giveaway

Happy weekend! This week I've been enjoying the last few days before Christmas by attending performances at the boys schools and gifting their teachers with mini Poinsettias from my local Pike Nursery. I also mailed out my Christmas cards and have received so many in the mail too. I love looking up to see all the smiling faces of friends and family on my card wall. I'm also in the process of planning my Christmas Day menu and setting the tables. My hopes is to keep the meal simple but special.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to receive these elegant serving pieces from Beatriz Ball. Have you seen their collection of handmade metal ware? It's so gorgeous, particularly when you see it in person! I've been looking for a medium sized ice bucket to serve sparkling wine and champagne and their Vento ice bucket is perfect. I love how the curved sides hug the bottle and display labels for guests to read.  They also sent me their Soho Charcuterie Half Wood Platter for serving my favorite appetizers. I love that it's so versatile and even has a removable cutting board. And look how nicely these modern day pieces mix with my vintage glassware?

To kickoff the holiday weekend, Beatriz Ball is also giving one of you their Charcuterie Half Wood Platter!  I don't host giveaways that often but these pieces were too beautiful not to share with one of y'all. Beatriz Ball is also generously offering ALL my readers free shipping for the next two weeks. Just enter the code freeship !!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


The Giveaway Details: This giveaway will be run through rafflecopter and is open only to US residents. You can earn points with each item completed on the rafflecopter list so the more you do, the better your chances! A winner will be announced on Monday, December 23rd at 10 am. This giveaway is sponsored by Beatriz Ball but opinions are 100% my own.

*Photos and styling by Amy Mikkelsen

Captain's Table: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Hot Buttered Rum Apples // Spiced Almond Coquito

I'm so excited to share Part 2 of the Captain's Table challenge with y'all today. This month we created recipes centered around the holiday season. My family celebrates Christmas and part of that always includes pancakes for breakfast on Christmas morning, a tradition started by my father-in-law. Typically we opt for old-fashioned blueberry pancakes but today I'm sharing a recipe for lemon ricotta panckaes covered with hot buttered rum apples. Y'all it is amazing good!  And I love the addition of ricotta because it helps the pancakes stick to your ribs long enough for you to tear through your Christmas morning gift exchange. For the cocktail recipe, I used my classic coquito recipe as a jumping off point and spiced it up a bit.  I would happily skip the eggnog and sip a coquito on Christmas morning!  I like it that much but I'll let you guys try out the recipe and see for yourself! I can't think of a better way to start Christmas day than this breakfast combination. And remember, each time you pin or share this post and use the hashtag #captainstable, Captain Morgan will donate to WhyHunger.

*****Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Hot Buttered Rum Apples*****
(Makes about 9 large pancakes )

// Ingredients //

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
2 crisp red apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch pieces (I like Honeycrisp apples!)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar, divided
1 1/4 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups whole milk
3 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Warm maple syrup for serving
Powedered sugar for dusting

// Instructions //

1. In a large skillet,  melt the 2 tablespoons butter. Add apples, cinnamon, 2 tablepspoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of the lemon zest and Captain Morgan rum and cook over medium heat, stirring occassionally, for about five minutes or until the apples are just tender and golden in color. Keep warm until ready to serve.

2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and remaining 2 tablespoosn of sugar.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, the egg yolks and the ricotta together. Add remaining 3/4 teaspoon lemon zest.

4. Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until incorporated.

5. In a clean large stainless steel bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form; fold into the batter.

6. Preheat the griddle and grease it with butter. Scoop out batter by 1/4 cup fulls and pour onto griddle. Cook the pancakes over moderate heat until bubbles appear on the surface, about 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook until pancakes are risen and golden brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes longer.

7. Transfer pancakes to plates and top with Hot Buttered Rum Apples. Garnish with warm maple syrup and powdered sugar dusting.

*****Spiced Almond Coquito*****

// Ingredients //

1 cup almond milk
1 oz. brewed coffee, room temperature
1.5 oz. Captain Morgan Black
Half an oz. Amaretto
1 tablespoon Coco Lopez

// Instructions //

Mix together almond milk, coffee, Captain Morgan black, Amaretto and coco lopez. Pour drink over ice, serve with a lime wedge and a peppermint stick and enjoy!

*Photos and styling by Amy Mikkelsen

*This is the third post in a five post series known as the Captain's Table Challenge which is sponsored by Captain Morgan. (You can read more about it here.) Feel free to share these recipes via social media and be sure to use the #captainstable hashtag to fight hunger!

Peppermint Oreo Cookie Balls

Hello friends! After a long holiday weekend filled with celebrations and SEC football, I'm taking a break from cocktails today to think about Christmas cookies. You know my love for cookie balls because they are so easy and require little to no baking. Do you remember these and these? Of course these peppermint OREO cookie balls were a no brainer when I got the itch to make my first batch of Christmas cookies. Feel free to use any flavor OREO you like. Have you seen their flavor selection lately? It's impressive.

This weekend, we're celebrating Luke turning seven, which still baffles my mind! And Sunday I'll be attending my good friend's annual cookie exchange which is always a blast. I'm still not sure which recipe I'm going to bring but check back next week for tips on hosting your own cookie exchange which I pried out of my dear friend who is an amazing hostess. Hope you enjoy your weekend!

***** Peppermint Oreo Cookie Balls *****
(makes about 2 dozen)

// Ingredients //

1 package (8 oz.)cream cheese
1 package Oreo Cookies with Peppermint Creme, finely crushed
4 package. (4 oz.) semi sweet baking chocolate, melted (white, dark or both!)
Crushed mint candy for garnish

// Instructions //

1. Mix cream cheese and cookie crumbs until well blended. Shape into 48 (1 inch) balls and place onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.  Freeze for 10 minutes.

2. Melt chocolate according to package directions. Remove cookies for freezer. *Using a fork, dip cookie balls in chocolate and place in a single layer waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with peppermint candy and refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Store inside the refrigerator inside an airtight container lined with wax paper.

* How to easily dip cookie balls

Dip cookie balls in batches. Use two forks to roll balls in chocolate to coat evenly. Remove balls with fork, allowing excess chocolate drip back into bowl.

Disclaimer: I worked with Oreo on this post but all opinions are my own. Do you love them too? Check out more OREO cookie ball recipes here.  Thank you Oreo!

Weekend Cheers with Madhouse

Who's ready for a holiday weekend? I'm completely prepared to spend the next few days soaking up the long weekend. I think a visit to the pool and a few cocktails are definitely in order.   The spread you see above is brought to you courtesy of my friends at Madhouse, a line of upscale, but affordable dinnerware and serverware collection designed by Michael Aram. Those gorgeous glasses up there are actually melamine! Can you believe it? Perfect for poolside imbibing and porch dining. They have a great weight to them which means a gust of wind isn't likely to take out your gin and tonic.  The fun print on the paper products and melamine tray is their Lemonwood collection which I think is uber chic. I also like the Fig Leaf pattern seen here which I've set aside for fall entertaining. A big thanks to Madhouse for sharing their practical and inspiring pieces for entertaining with style. Cheers to the weekend

*photography and styling by Amy Mikkelsen
*All opinions are my own

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

Fresh Produce Style Post

Hi fellow peaches! Today I'm sharing a little style post with you featuring me and a lovely mint oxford from Fresh Produce.  They were kind enough to send me this spring classic in exchange for my best modeling pose.  I have a new admiration for fashion bloggers who do this on a more regular basis.  Very fun but not near as easy as it looks!

I paired the Golightly oxford with a tank, a seersucker skirt and my Sperry's for a day of errands.  It's a great piece for layering and I know I'll get a lot of use out of it this summer whether it's dressed up or down.  The quality of the shirt is quite exceptional too which means a lot to me.  

Fresh Produce also has a lot of summer clothes and simple dresses that are relaxed and easygoing which is just what the season's about, right?  I envision a lot of their pieces traveling well for vacation and being perfect for life at the beach.  And with shipping to over 200 countries, Fresh Produce can go just about anywhere. 

Thanks again to Fresh Produce for allowing me to collaborate with them.  I love my new summer oxford!