Wednesday Whereabouts: New Blog!

Well...the time has come to unveil my new site! This blog site will still exist but it won't be updated. You can now read all about faith.food.fitness.fashion.family at:

www.georgiapeachmommy.com

There are still some kinks to work out, but it's getting close!

Xo!

Tasty Tuesday: Lime Cilantro Chicken

I love a good Crockpot recipe. There's nothing better than coming in the door and dinner being done. I grabbed this recipe from http://crockpotladies.com/crockpot-cilantro-lime-chicken/ right before I had my gallbladder surgery. I didn't make it then, but found it when trying to decide what I was going to make for dinner. Let's just say, it's delish!

Ingredients:
2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 limes, zested and juiced
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish/serving
1 (1 lb.) bag frozen corn
1/2 red onion, diced
1 can of black beans
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
Mix ingredients into the Crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8.

Serve with tortilla chips or rolled into tortillas! A dollop of sour cream and guacamole will do the trick!

Read more at http://crockpotladies.com/crockpot-cilantro-lime-chicken/#Ttpcr5XArKfYf6jl.99

Xo,

Monday Memories

It's been a good week and less busy than the past few! I apparently took very few pictures this week too!

Lindsay's Necklaces sent me this awesome necklace and I couldn't wait to wear it!

Friday was National Donut Day so this cutie, my brother and I headed to get our free Krispy Kreme!

Friday we made Green Egg pizzas with friends...so yummy! Like this cutting board?! It will be featured on the blog soon too!

I went for a short and very hot run to finish off my weekend...running in heat kills me and slows me down! Oh well!

See, I barely took any pics this week! I'll try and do better this week!

Xo,

Friday Faves: Whirly Wraps

By now, if you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I really like jewelry. I also like handmade items and anything local. Well, these Whirly Wrap bracelets fit all of those categories. They are made in my hometown- Athens, GA and are made custom--every one of them is different. In fact, you can send your wrist size and she will accommodate how small/big your wrist is!

I especially like these wrap bracelets because they aren't like other wrap bracelets. I was sent a cork bracelet (left) and a silk bracelet (right). Also included were the amazing hair ties that are on the bottom that I wore the entire week at the beach (these are AMAZING and work really well with my super thin hair). 

The bracelets also come in these awesome metal boxes that they can live in, so that they don't attract other pieces of jewelry!

Because there's no way in the world I can explain how cool cork bracelets are, I am quoting the Etsy site on this one: "What is so special about a Portuguese cork wrap bracelet? Cork is a renewable, sustainable resource that is eco-friendly and a vegan product. Used in the US for wine stoppers and flooring, it is also the perfect lightweight, supple material for summer wrist wear. Plus it comes in gorgeous colors."

The silk bracelets are equally as cool and here's what the site says about the silk, "These hand-dyed, 100% Asian silk ribbons have been steamed to retain their rich colors and have with neatly sewn edges. Soft and feathery~ there is nothing like wrapping silk around your wrist. Feel free to (cool) iron your ribbon if your want to freshen or smooth it back out. If the wrap has too much slack, simply put a half-knot close to the magnet(s) and fit to size."

They have these awesome magnets that screw in (but you can still put on/take off one handed) that help your bracelet stay on!

As you can see in the pictures above, included are complete instructions on how to put these bracelets on and take them off...how to adjust their size, etc. You can also wear the silk one as a necklace!

Here are just a few ways I've worn these amazing bracelets...but they are totally a staple now! A simple and easy way to add a pop of color and talk about compliments!

Whirly Wraps are also available in leather...like this one:

So let me tell you a little more...

"What is a Whirly Wrap? When we moved to sunny Georgia a few years ago, my farmers market selling season for wooly goods was about 6 weeks! I missed the soothing repetitive motions of knitting. Enter fate. My daughter chose to be married in Antigua, Guatemala and the vibrant colors, diverse textures and stunning geometry of the local market textiles knocked the breath out of me. When I returned home I grabbed all my DMC thread, some silver discs and up-cycled sari silk from my stash and Whirly Wraps were born. I have found the rhythmic nature of wrapping thread is as meditative as knitting.

At first I was a clumsy Whirler. It took me nearly an hour to wrap a 1" washer smoothly and the ubiquitous knots almost got the better of me. They have taught me patience and are now my friends. A local gift shop began selling my sari silk Whirlies and suggested I make leather wraps for the boyfriends of these new Whirly Girls. I opened my Etsy shop and scheduled a season of festivals and farmers markets. My on-going challenge is to bring the thrill of buying in-person to the online experience." 

So where can you find these amazing bracelets?

Whirly Wraps Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MaryMercedes

or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mmWhirlyWraps

Seriously, you'll love these light-weight, comfortable and brightly colored bracelets that make a beautiful statement!

Xo,

Thoughtfulness Thursday: Organizations PM and AM

I love this graphic on The Muse: https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-6-smartest-things-you-can-do-every-night-and-every-morning about the six smartest things you can do every night and every morning.

I'm a firm believer in being organized so that things function properly and efficiently. After you have a kid (or kids) things need to be even more organized for you to stay sane. On the days that I'm working, I have to stay super organized so that I can get to work on time (and in one piece).

PM
1. Lists. I am a BIG believer in lists...my lists have list (that say things like, "Refer to list A..."). If you make a list before bed, then you're less likely to wake up in the middle of the night thinking about what you need to do tomorrow. I just make lists all day long.

2. Clothes. I've been laying out my clothes the night before for probably 20 years...maybe longer than that. I like to know exactly what I'm going to wear the next day (including accessories and shoes). I also lay out all of my make-up and hair products on my counter so they are ready to go.

3. Forgiveness. I like that this is included on the list because you should always pray for your forgiveness and doing it before bed helps you to rest.

AM
1. Doing something for yourself. This is one thing my husband and I have always talked about. Running is something I do for myself. Junior League is something I do for myself. Spending time with my girlfriends is something I do for myself. I think so many moms get caught up in mom guilt of being away from their kids. Yes, I hate being away from E, but I would go insane if I were home all day, everyday without doing anything for myself...in fact, that's why I started running :)

2. Routine. I'm the queen of routine...that's one reason vacations exhaust me. I love routine...I thrive in routine and I live for routine. I want everything to fall into place and it doesn't always do that (especially with kids). I always try to have a routine (and keep E on a routine) but sometimes we are off by a little. I notice that if E takes a late nap that it throws our whole day off and he and I are pretty miserable.

3. Big v. small. You can either start with something BIG to start your day or something small. I like to start with small things (e-mails, social media, news)...mindless things that I can kind of push through. Around 9:00 I start thinking about the bigger things and then by the evening my brain is fried and it's back to the small things.

Hope this was as helpful to you as it was to me...I always think that the more organized you are, the healthier you are!

Xo,

Workout Wednesday: Running Reflection

Almost a year ago...on June 3, 2013 I decided to start training for a 15K. If you've read any of  my posts on running, you know that I had never run before this date. I actually hated running, made fun of it and said I had no interest in it. Our Junior League hosted a 15K in September and I knew that if I wasn't going to "suck" then I needed to train. My first run wasn't even 2 miles and it was SLOW. Running anything under 10 minutes was an accomplishment for me...and that didn't happen very often.

By the time I ran the 15K (and after I had sprained my ankle and spent 6 weeks in a boot) I was running under 9 minute miles and averaged less than 9 minutes on my 15K. I made the decision after I ran the 15K that if I could run that far, then surely I could run 13.1 miles in two weeks...so I ran a half marathon two weeks later. I ran faster on that run then the 15K and I guess I got the running bug. I took the next couple of months off from training (but still running 3-4 times a week). Running really helped me to feel better, gave me time to myself and helped build up muscle (and lose the last few baby lbs I needed to shed).

It's now a year later and I'm still running. I ran another half in April (which you've probably read about). I will start training for a half in October soon...but right now I am just doing a few runs (short runs at that) a week.

Some days it is hard to motivate yourself to run, but I know that if I just get out there and do it, I will feel better when I get back (no, I don't necessarily feel better when I'm doing it). I don't love running. In fact, most days I hate running, but I love what it does for me mentally, physically, emotionally and even spiritually (you can definitely spend time with God on your runs).

I am proud of what I have accomplished in a year. I'm not sure that I'll run forever, but I do know that it's a great way to stay in shape :)

Xo,

Tasty Tuesday: Cookie Dough Cheesecake

I totally make this recipe as often as I can because I really, really enjoy it. It also makes a ton which is perfect to bring over to a friend's house for dessert or for a tailgate. And it's really, really simple...which just makes it even better!

This recipe is originally from a friend...I think she got it off of Pinterest, but it really is one of my all time favorite desserts.

Use a greased, glass 9 x 13 pan and flatten the dough into the bottom of the pan so that they are mushed together (no holes).

Mix together the softened cream cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla and pour the mixture over the cookie dough.

Flatten more pieces of cookie dough and place on top (it doesn't have to be without holes).

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes and then chill overnight (or at least for several hours) before serving.


Ingredients:
2 logs of cookie dough or 3 packs of break and bake cookie dough (I actually get a big tub of cookie dough and just use as much as I need)
3 (8 oz) blocks of cream cheese (you can also use fat free)
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Use a greased, glass 9 x 13 pan and flatten the dough into the bottom of the pan so that they are mushed together (no holes).

Mix together the softened cream cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla and pour the mixture over the cookie dough.

Flatten more pieces of cookie dough and place on top (it doesn't have to be without holes).

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes and then chill overnight (or at least for several hours) before serving.

Cut it into squares and voila! Gosh, this makes me hungry just typing it!

Xo,

Monday Memories

It was back to work this week after a wonderful beach trip...it was a long 4 day week!

I wore one of my fav Lilly dresses this week (and it's bulldog colors).

I ran for the first time in 9 days...needless to say, I should have run on vacation.

I had a hectic Friday, but got to babysit the cutie on the right.

The first in front of us at Chick Fil A paid for our meal...what a nice surprise!

We had my favorite meal of the day after church on Sunday...brunch!

Hope you had a great week and maybe I'll take a few more pics this week ;)

Xo,

Friday Faves: Jack Rogers

I don't think it's any secret that I love me some shoes. And while I wear primarily heels and wedges because I like how my legs look in them better than flats, wearing flip flops in the summer is absolutely 100% essential. So my go to shoe for the warm days?! Jack Rogers of course. Let me start by saying that Jack Rogers is by no means paying me to say these wonderful things about them (I wish they would ;))...I just really love them that much. I don't even know how I got introduced to Jack Rogers, but once I did I became addicted. I will say that I've never paid full price for a pair, but that they are 100% worth every penny that you pay. They're super comfy, go with everything (you can dress them up or down) and last forever. 

That said, I own six pairs of sandals plus one pair of heels. These are a few ways I've styled them.

Blue sparkle (old) similar here.
Pink dotted (old) similar here.
Platinum found here.
Gold (old) similar here.
Paisley found here.
Pink Platinum found here.

So which ones am I loving for spring/summer?

110% these with my monogram on them! How amazing?!?! (Jack Rogers, if you're reading this...you can send these my way ;))

You know I love me some wedges :)

So where can you find Jack Rogers other than their site? You can find lots of great deals on Rue La La. In fact, they have a pink sparkle pair that I keep missing. Piperlime, 6pm.com, Off Fifth (even though they aren't listed online right now) and Last Call also have discounted prices on them.

Another things to note: 1) they run small! Order a half size up on these shoes! I'm normally an 8.5 in shoes and I wear a 9 (or even a 9.5) in them. 2) don't expect them to feel great the first time you wear them...they're leather, you have to break them in and they have to mold to your feet 3) don't wear them on a rainy day unless you want the bottoms of your feet to be the color of leather 4) the bottoms are insanely slippery until you scuff them up (just take them outside and stomp your feet around. I literally fell down a set of stairs in mine the first time I wore my blue sparkle ones (at the neighbors' house I might add).

Jack Rogers are my go to. I wear them to work in the summer when my feet are too swollen to wear anything else and I wear them on errands. They're cute and comfy and go with dresses, shorts and pants!

Xo,

Thoughtfulness Thursday: Boys Are...

One of the biggest blessings in my life is becoming a mom to E. I never thought I'd be a good boy mom (I've shared that before) but I love it more than anything in the world. I love this list that captures boys into a list of 21 points (found here: http://joycannis.wordpress.com/2014/02/27/10-things-ive-learned-being-a-mom-of-boys/). I had to share this list because it was so so so true.

1. They have one level of volume LOUD.
2. They eat… constantly.
3. They will find dirt where no dirt has ever been found.
4. They wear cleats in the house.
5. They run everywhere they go.
6. They have an inhuman burst of energy around 7:30 p.m. and it’s best to let them get it out before attempting bedtime.
7. They are surprisingly sensitive.
8. They laugh at anything that involves “potty words.”
9. They are incredibly curious, making everything an adventure.
10. They love their mama.
11. < I CANT STOP AT TEN! THERE ARE TOO MANY MORE. >
12. They potty train successfully when allowed to hit a target (preferably outside… like on a tree or off the deck. Yep, I’m that mom)
13. They will wake up on the weekend an hour before the sun comes up, but you will not be able to drag them out of bed for school.
14. They have to be reminded multiple times a day to, lift the toilet seat, put the toilet seat down, flush the toilet, wash their hands…with soap, and to keep their pants on.
15. They smell like wet puppies after playing outside. Whether it be for 5 minutes or 2 hours.
16. They consider anytime a good time to get dirty.
17. They don’t understand why I would ever want to have privacy.
18. They give real hugs. Not the ones where you barely connect. The ones that squeeze all your breath out.
19. They use any opportunity to be naked. The less clothes, the better.
20. They take everything apart (including jewelry, lingerie drawers and large purses) in order to put it back together so they understand how it works (even if it doesn’t go back together.)
21. They crave love, affection, encouragement, admiration and security as much as any of us girls do, they just don’t show it or need it expressed in the same way.
22. They need the freedom to be boys.

The best thing I've learned about being a boy mom (from my friends that are girl moms) is that boys love their moms. I mean REALLY love their moms. There's a special bond there...one that I don't think will ever be broken. Boys are sensitive and sweet and want to protect their moms more than anything in the world (even at 3 years old). Boys are a totally different breed (one I may never fully understand) but E is my sweetest boy...and I thank God everyday for giving me a son to realize just how much our Lord loves us.

I love how the post ends because I could have written this:

I love being a mom to boys.

It’s never a dull moment. (Which is great! I bore easily.)
It’s always an adventure. (Who wants to sit around not living life anyway?)
It’s incredibly challenging. (I. Love. A. Challenge.)
It’s simple. (Have snacks EVERYWHERE you go.)
It’s immeasurably rewarding.

Sure, their clothes aren't pink and frilly and you can't get pedicures with them, but little boys are the best...no doubt about that!

Xo,

Wednesday Whereabouts: Amelia Island

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that we were at the beach last week. The hubs had a conference at Amelia Island so we tagged along. We'd never been to Amelia, but had heard great things. Let's just say we loved it! We had beautiful weather, it was quiet and there weren't a ton of people. 

Our days were great...we woke up, had breakfast, headed to the beach, had a snack, played, headed in for lunch and a nap, then dinner. 

We had dinner at Barbara Jean's the first night there (we love Barbara Jean's at St. Simons so we thought we'd visit Amelia's location). The hubs had crab cakes, E had catfish and I had lots of veggies! The next two nights we had cocktail parties at the Ritz for the conference so we ate there (though I would have rather explored more restaurants). We also went to a Mexican restaurant, Peppers, that was recommended to us. Peppers has a great outdoor porch and fun atmosphere. The service wasn't great, but the food was delish! 

We explored the little town and the stores (there are a few gift shops and clothes stores, but not a ton) on one afternoon. You definitely shouldn't go there to shop (we choose beaches because they are relaxing and not super busy). 

Sunday was the busiest day at the beach and it honestly wasn't that busy at all. We stayed at a great condo that had great access to the beach. The only downside of Amelia is that you have to cross the dunes before you get to the beach. It really isn't that bad, but if you had a ton of kids you had to carry, maybe. E was a big helper and walked on his own and carried stuff (since the hubs was in classes in the a.m.). 

E loved that the water formed small "puddles" (his words) that he could play in. There are also tons and tons of seashells and he loved collecting them. Overall, the beach is clean, super family-friendly and fun. 

We are so thankful for the time to relax and spend as a family. To close off the week, we had a family ice cream party on Sunday night...followed by TV watching in our pj's...E loved it.

Xo,

Tasty Tuesdays: Cheesy Bread

I'm sorry for missing Monday Memories yesterday, but honestly we were just getting home from the beach and I was trying to get laundry done. I'll post plenty of pictures from the week on Wednesday. In the meantime, enjoy this yummy recipe!

It seems like I'm always in a pinch when it comes to making something to bring to someone's house...I'm always out of time and don't have a ton of patience. This is a recipe from one of my friends who has moved away, but I love making it because it reminds me of her sweet family every time I make it. Warning: There's nothing healthy about it :)

Mix the chilies, mayo and cheese. Line a cookie sheet or pan with foil and spread the mix on top of both sides of the bread.

Pour melted butter over the top. Place another sheet of foil over the bread to form a tent. Bake at 350 degrees until brown (approximately 30 minutes).

Ingredients:
1 loaf of french bread (sliced down the middle)
1 small can of chopped green chilies
1 cup of real mayonnaise
1 cup of grated pepper jack cheese
1 stick of butter melted

Directions:
Mix the chilies, mayo and cheese. Line a cookie sheet or pan with foil and spread the mix on top of both sides of the bread. Pour melted butter over the top. Place another sheet of foil over the bread to form a tent.

Bake at 350 degrees until brown (approximately 30 minutes).

Enjoy this yummy, comfort food!

Xo,