EATLIVEWEARWANTLIFEREAD

7/24/2015

ENTRY ENVY + LINKS...



So I have a confession... I'm ready for fall. Is that bad?? I know I'm ready because I told several people that this week. While I love the beach, the produce, and all of the fun things that summer has to offer, I'm ready to bust out my trench coats, light sweaters, boots, and breathe in some fresh crisp air. Anyone else feel the same way?? What's up for the weekend? Since I took last weekend off from life, I'll be working on shaving my to-do list down this weekend. I'm hoping to reward myself with a long nap at the end. Have a wonderful weekend!

Good Things
So fun & flirty!
Cute and so very true...
The most comfortable sandals I've purchased this summer...
The ONE thing I bought at the big sale... Perfect for fall (size down).


Good Spaces
A feed full of gorgeous spaces...
Can't wait to see her new closet...
6,000 sq ft of beauty on the beach...
She says her  new home is filled with finds from T.J.Maxx. Love it. 


Good Reads
I love a good wholesome love story...
Good to know in case of an emergency...
Honest thoughts on such an important thing...
I loved learning 73 new things about her - and seeing her lovely home!


Good Food
A feed of full of facts about good food...
I made this for lunch last week... Delish!
I wished I could have had these for dessert after that lunch...
If you love macchiatos & ice cream, then you might love this...


Image Shannon McGrath via Dustjacket Attic
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7/22/2015

5 MINUTE NO-CHURN PEACH FROZEN YOGURT...

5 Minute No-Churn Peach Frozen Yogurt | Savor Home
So I mentioned on Monday that I have a "thing" this particular summer about peaches. I have always loved them, but this summer my preference has been to eat at least one a day. I have the luxury of living in the state that is known for producing the nation's best peaches - and I feel like the state has really outdone itself this summer. The peaches have been so sweet and juicy - or maybe they always have been. Don't know. All I know is that I'm loving them and I have enjoyed finding ways to incorporate them into my meals...

Last weekend, I incorporated them into this super easy frozen (and healthy!) peach yogurt. Not all frozen yogurt is good frozen yogurt, but I have to say that I was AMAZED at how well this turned out - especially given how easy it was to make and the method in which it was made. I simply peeled, cut up, and froze some peaches from the farmers market. The next day, I tossed all of the peaches and three simple other ingredients into a food processor. I turned it on and let it go for about 5 minutes. The result was this super creamy, sweet, summery peach frozen yogurt that tasted so dang good!! It has the texture of soft serve ice cream right when it is done - which I find to be baffling given that all you really start with is a bunch of frozen peaches. You could use frozen peaches from the grocery store, but I think that freezing fresh peaches gave this dessert an extra boost of flavor. This is just a good, fresh, summer dessert that would be the perfect snack (especially for the kids!) or the perfect ending to a great summer dinner... :)

5 Minute No-Churn Peach Frozen Yogurt | Savor Home
5 Minute No-Churn Peach Frozen Yogurt | Savor Home
5 Minute No-Churn Peach Frozen Yogurt | Savor Home

Here is what you need and what to do (makes 4 servings):
Recipe via Just A Taste

1 lb frozen peaches (fresh in-season frozen peaches are best, but a bag from the grocery store works, too)
1/2 cup whole or 2% plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
Juice of 1/2 lemon

1. Break up any large chunks of frozen peaches. This will make the process go by a LOT faster. Then place the peaches, yogurt, honey, and lemon juice in the food processor. Process the ingredients for about 5 minutes. It might take a little longer depending on the quality of your food processor. I have this food processor and it took 5 minutes. Stop it along the way to scrape down the sides of the bowl and to give it a quick stir. Keep processing it until the consistency of the ingredients is very smooth and creamy - like the consistency of soft serve ice cream. There should be no lumps! There will be times during the process when it doesn't seem like it will EVER get creamy, but I promise you it will get there.

2. Once it has reached the creamy consistency, you can can eat it right then. Or you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month.

Enjoy!

Images by me
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7/20/2015

FRESH EATS FROM THE WEEKEND...


{Summer's best tomatoes that I sliced up, seasoned with sea salt & freshly ground black pepper, and put between two slices lightly toasted bread that were laced with a thin layer of mayo. There is nothing better than a southern summer tomato sandwich. Nothing. }

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? I cancelled a few appointments I had to just spend the weekend doing only the things I love doing. That's it. I needed that kind of weekend. On Saturday morning, I went to my local farmers market to snap a few photos (something I really love doing) and shopping for my weekend meals. I went to the movies (LOVE going to the movies) and saw Trainwreck. Maybe I need a better sense of humor, but I thought it was just that - a trainwreck. Thoughts? After eating all of the fresh and healthy food from the farmer's market, I ended the weekend by eating a Holman & Finch burger at the Braves game on Sunday afternoon. I swear that's one of the best burgers in town. Spending time with good friends at the game and eating the freshest burger made for the perfect ending to a great weekend. I hope your week gets off to a good start!


{I wanted to eat that whole basket of bread. Its smell was completely intoxicating. I'm still thinking about it... }


{My "candy" for the week. I've been popping these in my mouth like candy. They are so sweet and juicy! Oh and that would be hydroponic butter lettuce in the background that I used for a salad. The freshest and bestest...}

{Wouldn't those make peppers one heck of a fajita?? Fajitas were the first thing that came to mind when I saw them... }


{I've always loved peaches, but this summer my love for them is at an all-time high! I eat them with breakfast, put them in salads for my lunch, and mix them in my yogurt for a snack. Yesterday, I made the MOST insanely good dessert with these peaches from the farmer's market - and it only took me about 5 minutes to make it! Check back later this week for the recipe! }

Images by me
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7/15/2015

FIVE FAVORITES: FOR THE KITCHEN

Five Kitchen Favorites | Savor Home

Ten years ago, the kitchen was the very last place I wanted to be. Today it's often the first place I want to be- especially on the weekends. Finding things to use in the kitchen that make being in the there that much more fun is a treat for me. Today I thought I would share a few of my recent faves. I wouldn't say these things are groundbreaking to say the least, but I use them often so I thought I would share!

.01. Donna Hay's Cookbook: "The New Classics": I discovered this cookbook while browsing in Anthropolgie and proceeded to spend almost 30 minutes sitting on the couch in the store flipping through this gorgeous book. Naturally I ordered it! I am a long-time fan of Donna Hay and this cookbook really shows off her amazing talent. Honestly, it's more like a really big 400 page food photography art book that has a bonus of great recipes. Some of the recipes classic recipes with a twist and some are just basic recipes that I swear have never looked so GOOD! A few recipes that grabbed my immediate attention were her Brownie Cookies w/ Peanut Butter Frosting, Ginger, Chili, & Lime Chicken, Garlic & Tarragon Seafood Hotpot, and the most beautiful Basic Lemon Tart. There are other recipes in the book that I wouldn't consider making - but seeing her stunning photos make me so interested in trying them. That's when you know a cookbook is a good cookbook...

.02. Ozeri Kitchen Scale: Maybe it's just me, but I feel like I'm seeing more and more recipes with ingredients in ounces and grams than in teaspoons and cups. I get so frustrated when a recipe (especially a dessert) calls for 8oz of something that is packaged in a 12oz bag. So I purchased this scale, which has been quite helpful! It's very sleek, accurate, and doesn't take up a ton of room in my already packed cabinets. Love it.

.03. "Food Network" on SnapChat: Just when I thought I couldn't get bear yet ANOTHER form of social media, I get hooked on SnapChat. I have an account, but I'm only SnapChat stalking for now. Food Network is one of my favorite accounts. The account features 10 stories (that update daily), that consist of kitchen tips, really great recipes, and personal stories of people on the Food Network staff. The way the content is put together is really creative, so it's definitely something I check daily!

.04. Crate & Barrel Aspen Dinner Plate: A classic white plate is a classic white plate - but they are all different in quality. Gosh I've learned that the hard way! I've been using a set of these simple white plates as my everyday dishware for over a year now and none of them have broken or have magically chipped in the dishwasher. I bought the set of 8 plates for a deeper discount and it was so worth it! The reviews for the plates are spot on...

.05. Method Grapefruit All-Purpose Cleaner: I have slowly been changing out all of my cleaners at home to products that are friendlier to the environment. I know that vinegar and a little lemon juice makes the perfect all-purpose cleaner, but I just can't stand the smell of vinegar. Not even the slightest smell of it. Period. I've tried. So my go-to cleaner is Method's Grapefruit All-Purpose Cleaner. I use it in the kitchen (I even clean my gas stove with it!) and in the bathrooms. It's affordable cleans well, smells great, and can be found at Target, on Amazon, and pretty much any grocery store.

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7/13/2015

INSPIRED BY...

{That simple little area... Cute dress, too.}

{That whole outfit and her style. It's always spot on... }

{That bright, perfectly styled little space... }


{That cozy little reading chair... Give me that chair, a glass of wine, and my Kindle and I'd never leave! }

Images 1/ 2/ 3/ 4
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7/10/2015

A SUMMER ENTRY + LINKS...



Hi there! It's Friday! What's up for the weekend? The last few weeks and weekends have been full of work, lunches, dinners, appointments, and errands, so this weekend the plan is to just play it by ear!  Have a great weekend and enjoy the links!


Good Finds
A gorgeous statement light - at Target...
A warm splash of color - at Target, too...
The ONE romper that I've found this summer that fits me right - for $22!


Good Spaces
This girl is just good... Such a pretty space.
Can't wait to see how her new home will look! Here is a sneak peek...
Beautiful style on the side...


Good Reads
My punch was recently featured on the Today Show's website! #pinchme
Smart thoughts on e-mailing someone you don't know...
I sent this post to a few frustrated moms I know...
Good for those of you who sit most of the day...
AMEN girlfriend!!


Good Food
So refreshing and so incredibly simple to make...
Click here if you love snickerdoodles & ice cream...
I am DEFINITELY making this for lunch over the weekend... #fresh
Sunday breakfast - or dinner maybe...


Image via Christina Prescott Design
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7/08/2015

THE BEST SUMMER VEGETABLE SOUP... EVER.

So last summer, I thought I made the best summer vegetable soup I'd ever had. This soup to be exact. I thought it was the best - and it does taste really good. BUT it turns out that I thought wrong. Really wrong. It's not the best vegetable soup I've ever had. That one you see in the photo there is though! THE BEST!! I love my vegetables, so I get particularly excited when summer introduces the freshest of my favorite vegetables. I eat them all kinds of ways, but one of my favorite ways to eat summer veggies is in a soup. Soups are easy to make, quick-cooking, make great leftovers, and freeze well. I recently ran across this recipe and I immediately knew I had to make it...

I've had lots of different vegetable soups, but this one is different... Why? I have a few guesses... Everything in this soup with the exception of the peas (they were frozen) and tomatoes (canned) was super fresh, in season, and organic. I literally picked everything up from the grocery store in the morning and made the soup that afternoon. The carrot tops were still attached to the carrots when I bought them. I swear they tasted fresher and sweeter. I cut the Non-GMO organic corn off the cob right before I added it to the soup. I used buttery Yukon Gold potatoes - the best. The soup cooks in 25 minutes, so while everything is cooked, the ingredients don't get soggy and over-cooked. It doesn't have a ton of seasonings (nor does it need it), so the fresh flavor of the vegetables really comes through. I've eaten this soup three times this week already people... It's definitely an all-time favorite!! 


Here is what you need an what to do (makes 7 servings):
Recipe via Cooking Classy

2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3-4 stalks celery, chopped
4-5 carrots, peeled & chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2in pieces
1 28oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
6-8 cups vegetable stock (preferably organic & low sodium. I use this brand)
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 1/2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed & cut into 1in pieces
2 cups corn (fresh is best, but frozen works, too)
1 1/2 cups peas, fresh or frozen
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

COOKING TIP: Use "Mise en Place" when preparing this soup! That means to prepare all of the ingredients before you even turn the stove on! It makes the actual cooking process so much easier and faster. It takes 15-20 minutes to chop, peel, and measure everything for this soup, so turn some music on in the kitchen and make it fun!

1. Once your vegetables are prepared, place a large Dutch oven (I used a 7 1/4 qt Le Creuset Dutch oven and it was almost full) over medium heat. Once the olive oil is hot, add the onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. You want to hear that sizzle when you add them to the pot! Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic. Stir and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Add the potatoes, tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and vegetable stock to the pot. Stir and bring the soup up to a boil. Season again with a little salt and pepper.

3. Once it starts boiling, add the green beans. Turn the heat down to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Once the potatoes are done, add the peas and the corn. Cook for another five minutes or so and then it's done! Taste it one last time and add more salt and pepper to taste if necessary.

Serve with crackers or some good crusty bread. Enjoy!

Images by me

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7/06/2015

INTERIORS: THE PERFECT LAKESIDE PORCH...

I thought I would start the week off with something light, bright, and relaxing - because it might just make your return to the real world from a long holiday weekend a bit nicer. I grew up in the south, so I have a real love for homes with a porch. My idea of a pretty porch is one that is neutral (obviously), has eye-catching outdoor seating that is made out of weather-friendly yet really comfortable materials, one that really compliments the home itself and the environment around it, and is a true extension of the inside of the home. This porch designed by Heather Garrett is and has all of that. The mix of seating - the slipcovered furniture, the hammock with the perfect throw pillow, the swing chairs, and the swing - they all just scream relaxation. And did you see that piece of furniture that houses the grill?? It fits in so much better than a large stainless still grill ever would. Relaxation, entertaining, pondering life - all of that is possible here and I just love it. :)


Images by John Bessler via Domaine Home
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7/01/2015

21 THINGS I'VE LEARNED IN MY 35 YEARS...



So this post has been in the works for quite some time. I've been 35 for over half a year now and things have been different for me this particular year. Yes I have new routines and a new job, but I think that's just a part of it. What I think is different about this year is that I've made a point to focus more on quieting my mind. Quiet times lead to reflection and reflection leads to the opportunity for learning and growth. So earlier this year, I started this list in my notebook to keep track of my reflections. It's a list of helpful and insightful things that have I've learned during my life thus far that have really helped me get to where I am now. I thought of pretty much all of these things during my commute (sans the radio), on the beach, in the shower, moments before bed, during walks (sans my iPod), as I'm cooking - all quiet times. I thought I would list 21 of the things I wrote here on the blog in hopes that they will spark something positive inside of you as they have for me. The plan is for this blog here will be permanent on the web, so the thought of being able to look back on these things when I'm 50 is kind of exciting. :) Here goes...


1. All that boring stuff about getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating properly, exercising, keeping stress levels down - all that is SO IMPORTANT - especially as you get older. The better you treat your body, the better it often treats you.

2. However, I've learned that there is nothing better than just one or two meals a week where all normal diets are off limits-if medically possible. Good food that is prepared well and tastes divine is so good for the soul.

3. Just because it or he looks delicious on the outside doesn't mean things are all good on the inside.

4. "Please" and "thank you" are three of the most simple, yet powerful words there are.

5. Being a woman and knowing how to do things like pay bills, negotiate major purchases, and fixing small things around the house - on your own- is powerful, too.

6. Friends come and go - even the good ones sometimes. Things change, people change, and priorities change. That's life. And that's ok.

7. The uncomfortable feeling of speaking your mind at the appropriate time in the appropriate manner is much better than the uncomfortable feeling that comes from not doing so...

8. Along those same lines - ask for what you know you need and you may or may not receive exactly that. Not receiving it is better than the feeling of not asking for it in my book.

9. Sometimes the adventure is to just be still...

10. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to learn how to be happy by yourself. You don't have to be in a relationship or married with kids - and have a big house with a white picket fence and a dog to be happy... If those things compliment your personal happiness, then perfect.

11. Because your happiness is your own responsibility - not anyone else's.

12. You are enough - despite how Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, or any other form of social media may sometimes make you feel.

13. The older you get, the more important a good dentist, family doctor, gynecologist, and veterinarian all becomes. Take the time to find good ones that you can afford, actually listen to you (I think doctors that really listen are a gem these days), genuinely care about you (or your pet's) well-being, and really, really seem to love what they do.

14. Knowing a really good tailor comes in handy, too- because things don't and won't always fit the way they used to...

15. Always paying yourself first (i.e. paying bills on time, putting money into savings, 401k, etc) right after you get your paycheck (as opposed to going to Target first) is one of the absolute best things you can do for yourself. 

16. Unplanned permanent change is often hard, but work hard to accept it and embrace it. You'll be surprised at how much you grow and how much you learn about yourself. 

17. If you need an answer to something that you can't stop thinking about, pray about it. Then contact your instinct, your gut, your intuition - or whatever you may call it. They almost always lead you to your answer. 

18. "No" is a perfectly complete sentence. Using it in a gracious and honest manner when needed is best for you, your health, and your sanity. 

19. And not always worrying about what people think when you say no - or just in general - is also best for you, your health, and your sanity. 

20. Do what you love. If you can't currently do what you love for a living, then try to learn about/do one thing you really love for at least 30 minutes a day. You never know what that 30 minutes will lead to... 

21. Be thankful- especially for the small things and the small moments. They are the ones that often turn out to be the best and most memorable... 

Image via Waiting on Martha

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