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The Brick House on Beech Street

2/26/2021

4 Comments

 
PictureTara
As if our life wasn't already hectic enough, Phillip and I decided to take on another home renovation project.  I know, I know...we're crazy.  We are fully aware!  I vividly remember saying that we would never do this again--so what gives?  You'll understand why we chose to take this leap once I explain a little more.  

When we purchased our home (Beech Street Bungalow) back in 2016, the only thing about the home that we weren't crazy about was some of the surrounding properties.  We knew, in particular, that the home and property directly next door were not living up to it's potential, and hoped one day that it would.

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Fast forward to 2020.  Our home had been "completed" for almost two years, we had a new baby girl, and were awaiting another foster placement.  Our marriage was in one of the calmest stages we had experienced thus far!  Our neighbor shared with us that he was interested in selling his home, so Phillip and I began dreaming.  Dreaming of what this home could be, dreaming of the change it would create in our neighborhood.

After many late night discussions, a lot of research, tons of number crunching and the weighing of future plans--Phillip and I decided to make an offer on the house!  This is where the crazy part comes in.  Could we afford it?  Probably not.  Did we have time to work on it?  That's an easy NO.  Did we know what we were getting into?  Haha, no, you never do! But did we have the desire to see this home brought to life, and to be the ones to give it a second chance?  Yes! 

If you know me, you know I am very much a planner.  I also love a challenge.  This idea seemed to speak to me on so many levels--planning for our future,  as well as a fun design and budgeting challenge.  I was, and still am, delighted to be a part of this project and I can't wait to share the journey with you!

Enough with the backstory, let's give you a tour! 
The exterior of the home lacked curb appeal, mostly due to the small fenced in front yard and the carport area.
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Here is a better view of the front of this home.  (Check out how close our houses are to each other.)
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The easiest decision to make was also one of the simplest things to do in order to instantly affect the curb appeal.  We pulled up the fence in the front yard, tore out the screened in porch under the carport, and cleaned up the yard!  Just that simple change made the property more attractive.  One obvious decision we pulled the trigger on early in the process was putting a new roof on the house.  You will see in some of the pictures that there was extensive damage due to multiple roof leaks, so we definitely wanted to take care of that!
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Here's a tour of the inside of the home.

The Living Room:
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Bedroom #1:
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Bedroom #2:
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Bathrooms #1 and #2:
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The Kitchen:
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The Laundry Room/Closet:
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Here's a peek at some progress.  We felt the need to completely gut this house given the state that it was in, which opened up the opportunity to change the entire layout of the home.  We did decide to change it from a two bedroom/two bath, to a three bedroom/two bath house.  One bedroom will be small, but it could also function as an office.
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On the next home renovation update, I'll share the new layout with you, as well as some of our ideas!  This may be a slow process, but I promise to keep you posted along the way.  We hope that by taking on this project, we will breathe a little more life into our neighborhood.  We feel so blessed to have this opportunity so close to home!
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4 Comments

Share the Love

1/22/2021

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PictureRoxie
I already know what you are thinking.  It is almost February, the season of love, so here comes the obligatory, sappy love post about how sweet Valentine’s Day is and the shameless promotion of something I would like you to buy from me for your Valentine.  Don’t worry!  That is not the purpose of this post. Well, not exactly.  I am going to ask you to buy something, but don’t worry, it’s for a good cause! I hope I can put a different spin on this season for you, and I hope that by the end of this post you are feeling all the feels in a way that surprises you a bit.

Lately, at least to me, it seems the world around us is lacking in the love department.  We all know that 2020 was a rough year for most.  We are all still reeling from the effects of an ongoing global pandemic: illness and death, financial distress, failing small businesses, depression and anxiety, unemployment, food shortages… the list could go on forever.  On top of that, racial and partisan divisions seem to be at a boiling point as riots continue and we have even seen our very own Capitol temporarily taken hostage and our democracy threatened.  I saw a very funny meme a few days ago that pointed out the pronunciation of our new year is “2020 won”  Unfortunately it does seem like we have all let 2020 get the best of us.  

If you look back in our more recent history, tough times are usually something that unites us.  Even if only for a short time, we have been able to put our differences aside and see each other as human, instead of as a color, or as a republican or a democrat.  It has been so disheartening to watch as the struggles of our current times have turned us against each other.  That we have allowed something as simple as a face mask, to cause division and incite hatred.  I am not making light of racial and political struggles, because I know they are very real.  I am just saying that there seems to be something major missing in our country, and I think it is love.  We are all too busy thinking we have been wronged in some way, or that our struggle is worse than someone else's, or that no one understands us, or that “our” particular interests are not being represented.  We have lost sight of our most important and most basic job, to love one another as Christ loved us.  You may come back at me and say that the people causing the most trouble, are not believers, and you may be right, but I am willing to bet that most of the loudest mouths, and the biggest troublemakers in our society right now, would claim to at least believe in God, and would probably even claim to be following his will.  I know you will also say that there is plenty of good still happening in the world and we just see the bad.  I know that too, but just to be clear, there are a lot of serious, bad things happening.  Things that are important, and need to be addressed, but if we as a whole, can’t figure out how to approach those situations first with love, and respect for our fellow man, we will never be able to overcome our differences.  

Don’t worry, I am not about to take a political stance, or force my personal beliefs on you.  I am getting to the “love” part I promise!  The truth is, I have been feeling a little overwhelmed.  2021 is off to a rocky start.  We are facing many unknowns and uncertainties.  It is easy to get swept up in the craziness of the world, and forget that we can all move mountains, if we start with ourselves, with our own families, churches, businesses and communities.  I was reminded recently, in my daily devotional, the importance of focusing on the unfailing and incomparable love of the Lord.  Psalm 118 was the scripture that went with the devotion on the particular day I was reading, and it happened on a day that I truly needed to hear it.  The Lord reminds us over and over that His love endures forever.

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Psalm 118 basically lays out all the hardships of this world, and reminds us that the Lord is mighty, He is our refuge and strength, and His love endures forever.  It was a good reminder to me, that no matter how crazy the world around me gets, I can rest in the fact that I am fully loved by a mighty God.  The world may fail me, and men may hate me, (whether it be over disagreements on mask wearing, political party, race, or religion), but His love endures forever.  If we, who believe, are comforted by this unfailing love, we must also feel empowered by it.  Empowered to show a glimpse of it to others.

As Tara and I were brainstorming about the Spring schedule and our themes for the year, we just kept coming back to “share the love”.  We are all given opportunities, everyday, to share the love.  Whether it be kindness to a neighbor, patience with a trying customer, food to shut ins, a prayer for those who are hurting or struggling…. this list could also go on forever!  It is easy to get wrapped up in joy and happiness at holiday time, but we are hoping that we can encourage and ignite you to make a conscious effort to show some love in your community.  Reach out to families that are suffering the loss of a family member, send a card to a family member you haven’t been able to visit.  

Here’s another challenge for you.  Yep, you know I have to bring it around to loving your community and your small businesses!  Send your community leaders an encouraging note to tell them that you appreciate the work they are doing.  Get involved in a community project.  I can promise you that now, more than ever, volunteers are needed!  Don’t forget to shop small this Spring.  It is easy to remember at holiday time, but your small businesses need you all year.  Be mindful of where you are choosing to spend your money.  Think of the businesses that are the lifeblood of your community.  I promise you that 2020 wasn’t kind to them.  Think of the businesses that you would miss if they weren’t there any more, and make it a point to support them when you can.  Even if it is just once a month.  

We have come up with a fun little way you can choose to “share the love” with one of your favorite small businesses.  We are selling these cute little stickers, created by 1 Canoe 2, as a fundraiser for our local Downtown Development Association.
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We would love to send one of these to your favorite small business.  Just include a message in the comments box at check out and include the mailing address for your favorite business as the shipping information.  We will send the sticker of your choice and your message (free shipping) in a sweet card to the small business you choose.  Click HERE to purchase one!
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What a sweet way to “share the love” and build up a business that has probably had a hard year.  You can order several and hand them out in person if you would rather make it a point to stop in at your favorite places.

Our DDA has taken on the tall task of turning an old, abandoned property in the heart of our downtown, into a lovely pocket park.
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We are doing this on a very limited budget and will have to do a lot of fundraising.  Buying this little sticker might seem like a small thing to you, but for us it is one more small step in the right direction.  Not only will you be sharing the love with the small business that you choose, but you will also be sharing a little love with our hometown of Ocilla, GA.  
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As you gear up for this season of love, we hope you will be mindful and take the time to think of others, outside your family or friend group and share the love.
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Christmas Cookies

12/4/2020

1 Comment

 
PictureTara
Baking goodies for others to enjoy is quite possibly my favorite tradition during the holidays.  The only thing that makes it even more fun is having happy little helpers!  My niece Cadence and I have a history of making sweet treats together, last year Lila was by my side as I whipped up Christmas goodies, and this year I am excited to share this yearly tradition with our foster daughter!
(Be sure to turn your volume up to hear Cadence's merry humming :)

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A post shared by Tara (@tarakathrynsmith)

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Christmas cookies may be my favorite treat to make and share with family and friends. Here are a few reasons why:
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- You can make multiple flavors and put together mixed treat boxes.
- Most cookie doughs freeze really well, so you can make dough in advance!
- Cookie decorating allows you to be creative and give your treats a festive touch.
- Cookies are naturally single-servings, so they are great for holiday parties.
- Santa loves cookies!
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In the past, we've shared our favorite Sugar Cookie recipe, as well as the ever-famous Fruitcake Cookie recipe.  Both of these recipes are classic Christmas treats, and will quickly become family-favorites!  You can find the recipe cards for these two cookies in our Recipe Archive!
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Today I wanted to share one of my new-found favorite cookies with you!  Often called Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, these fudgy treats are covered in powdered sugar, creating a beautiful effect when baked.  Not only are they showy, but oh-so delicious!  These are the perfect dessert for the chocolate lovers in your family.
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This Christmas, I hope you'll try a new recipe or two, make unforgettable memories with your little ones, create new holiday traditions, and share yummy treats with your family and friends!  
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If you're looking for a unique way to package your Christmas Cookies this year, consider our Cookie Box Kits!  Each kit contains 6 cookie boxes, twine and tags to create the sweetest gift!
Shop Now
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Dreaming of a New Year

9/25/2020

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PictureRoxie
I am not usually one to promote wishing your life away, but lately I have found myself dreaming of the holidays, a happy new year, and moving right on in to 2021! I think we can all agree that this year has left us with so many feelings of uncertainty that we are ready to move on to new season of life. At The Southern Merc, we even launched our first Christmas collection on the website a little earlier than planned this year.  Not that we don't love fall, but we were getting the feeling that folks are ready to deck the halls and have something fun to celebrate! Are we right?

My sweet friend Melissa took a new job over the summer as the chamber director in a neighboring town.  While fixing up her new office and getting organized, she realized that she had purchased and hung on the wall a 2021 calendar instead of 2020.  We all decided that this was her sub-conscience telling her she was officially over 2020! 

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While we all had a good laugh over this, there is something to allowing yourself to spend some time thinking about and dreaming of the future, especially when coming out of a hard time. If you've found yourself starting to move on to next year in your mind, then you are going to need a beautiful new calendar or planner to help spruce up your work area or home office.  Rifle Paper Co. makes the most beautiful calendars and we are in love with the designs for 2021!  ​
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So head on over the store, treat yourself to a pretty new planner, and start dreaming of a fabulous future! Good-bye pandemic, election year, hurricane season, home school, and virtual offices.  Cheers to a new year and a new, refreshed you!
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To shop our calendars, click HERE.
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Showering Claire with Love

8/28/2020

3 Comments

 
PictureRoxie
Recently, Tara and I hosted a beautiful bridal shower for our dear friend Claire, who will be getting married in November.  Y'all know we love an excuse to have a party, so when Claire got engaged, I didn't waste any time starting to put together ideas for her bridal shower.  This party was extra special to me as I am blessed beyond measure to be Claire's Fairy Godmother.  Claire was in middle school when I moved back to Ocilla after college.  I rented my first little house from her family and since that made us backyard and backdoor neighbors, Claire and I became fast friends.  She would pop over to my house in the afternoons to chat about school.  She begged me for a job at the store and never forgot that I told her she had to be fifteen to start working.  She rode her bike to work on her 15th birthday and she has been a part of The Shoppes family ever since.  When I bought my little house and moved around the corner, she was thrilled that we would still be backyard  neighbors.  It is so comforting to live so close to someone who has become so dear to my heart.  

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Over the years we have cried together, mourned together, worked hard together, laughed together and celebrated together.  It is so exciting to now be celebrating her upcoming wedding!  I don't think it is possible for me to be more happy for her. ​She is going to make the most beautiful bride!
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The date was set, the menu was planned and we got to work on the decor. Tara and I put our heads together and decided on a color palette of greens, and shades of pink and coral.  We used citrus fruit and peaches for an extra pop of color.
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I used my collection of vintage milk glass containers as vessels for the beautiful floral arrangements.  Some arrangements received whole peaches or small oranges and others were decorated with halved grapefruits.  The addition of the fruits to the decor was really beautiful and added an extra special touch.  
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We enlisted the help of Jorjanne and Claire's special friends, Courtney and Kelsey, to help us host.  This talented group of women worked hard to make our vision come to life!
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The shower took place in the morning so we decided on a brunch menu.  Tara was full of good ideas for this because brunch foods are her favorites!
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We knew we needed sweet and savory menu items alike, so of course cake was at the top of our list.  How can you have a party without cake?!
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Tara took one of her favorite recipes and dressed it up a bit.  She started with a vanilla cake and layered it with white chocolate buttercream and peach filling--yum!  She piped the outside of the cake to look like petals to give it a fancy flair.
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Our other sweet option was a glazed lemon cookie.  These treats were tiny and delicious--perfect for a brunch!
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We love a beautiful charcuterie board, and we thought this would be a fun opportunity to have one!  Full of baked ham, cheese slices, fresh fruit and miscellaneous biscuit toppings, this board was a hit!
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We offered homemade plain and blueberry biscuits to go with our board.  We thought we needed another savory option, so we decided on a Sausage and Cheddar Quiche, baked as individual servings!
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It turned out to be a beautiful display of delicious breakfast favorites.
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This shower was so fun and so sweet.  As I looked around the room at all of the beautiful women that came to celebrate with Claire, I was overwhelmed by the amount of love contained in one space.  Our gathering wasn't just about gifts and cake.  (Although it might have been the best cake I have ever eaten.)  This group truly came together to shower Claire with love and support as she prepares to enter into a new season of life, which made the day just perfect.
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If you are planning a party or shower for someone special to you, check out our blog posts about "parties and get-togethers".  ​
3 Comments

An Attitude of Gratitude

8/14/2020

1 Comment

 
PictureTara
An attitude of gratitude. It's easy to say, but harder to live by.  

I have my good days, but I also have my fair share of bad ones.  It's as if I wake up and roll right out of the wrong side of the bed. 

The great stealer of joy strikes again, and I allow him to.  I let my wall down and just let him convince me that whatever it is that has me bent out of shape is more important than loving the people around me well.  Though that isn't my intention, that is inevitably what happens.  I hide behind fake smiles and uninterested conversation, stealing the joy of laughter and sincere concern from my friends.

It's so easy in today's world to allow the "dreary wearies" to set in and ruin your whole day.  I am so guilty of this from time to time. We know people who have allowed that attitude to take over day after day, and it's no fun to be around them.  It's quite exhausting, actually.  

I know right now it's especially hard to keep our attitude in check with so much confusion, fear and hate in the world today.  But what if we were born for such a time as this?  What if the world so desperately needs our light during this crazy time to bring hope and joy to others?  We can't allow an occasional bad mood to dim our light.  We must press on and choose to find the joy in every situation. We must work to create an attitude of gratitude, rather than allowing our circumstances to determine our disposition. 
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It seems as if our world has lost the genuine feeling of gratitude.  Many have grown to believe that they deserve something, have the right to, are owed something, or have earned it by meeting minimal standards--including our children. (Ouch!  Did that hurt?  It hurt me a little.) 

I am learning that it is our responsibility to raise our children in such a way that develops a sincere heart, a strong work ethic and a concern for others.  Teach your children about gratitude. Start when they're young and help to create a thankful heart in them.  Our children learn by example, so be that for them. Look for ways to daily display an attitude of gratitude so that it becomes a natural reaction for them.
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​Sometimes, the best way to show your gratitude is through words.  A handwritten list of things that you are grateful for is a great way to state and recognize how much we truly have to be grateful for.  However, this only works when you realize that every good gift is from God, not solely as a result of our hard work or sacrifice.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
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Here at The Southern Mercantile, we are extremely grateful for our customers and fans.  We know and recognize that if it weren't for your love and support, this company wouldn't exist.  Every single comment, share, purchase or visit is crucial to our success!

We strive to have a grateful heart, and hope it is evident in all we do.  We love to create, and we love that you provide that opportunity for us.  

In this day and age, it seems that thank you notes are becoming a thing of the past. For our first paper design, we knew we wanted to create a beautiful thank you card that could be enjoyed by all.  The original design was created by Roxie and me, a colorful combination of watercolor and acrylic artwork.
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We hope to encourage an attitude of gratitude with the use of these cards, as well as a genuine excitement for expressing your many thanks.  If you're looking for a few tips on how to carefully craft your own thank you notes, check out our blog The Art of the Thank You Note!  In this blog I describe why thank you notes are important and how to make yours stand out from the crowd.  Make someone's day by sending them a genuine, heartfelt thank you, and you just might be the catalyst for spreading a little light in a dark time.  
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If you are interested in ordering this set of 10 thank you cards and envelopes, shop now!  
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One Year with Lila

7/31/2020

2 Comments

 
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I have so many fond memories from this past year.  As I sit here to share some of them with you, I'm not even sure where to begin!  Lila has been an adventure, and the best gift, since the day she came into this world.  

​She is full of personality, has the most contagious smile, never meets a stranger and has a bit of a stubborn streak in her.  She loves animals, snacks, snuggles...and especially her family and friends!  

She became a little sister when she was 7 months old, quickly adapting to having another child in our home.  She adores our foster daughter and they have become the best of friends!
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She looks more and more like her daddy every day, and tends to act like him too! She is the friendliest little thing and keeps us on our toes.  She is growing and changing so fast, we are trying to soak up every moment with her! 

We planned to go to the beach the week of Lila's birthday.  I am so glad that we made the decision to go, because the memories we made were priceless.  Lila loved the ocean and it was so fun to watch her take it all in.
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Although we celebrated her birthday while we were at the beach, we knew her family and friends would want the chance to celebrate too!  We decided to plan a simple party for when we arrived at home.  
I fell in love with the idea of a "sweet as a peach" themed party, so I started putting together a few ideas!  I knew that I would need to keep things simple, since we would be throwing the party together as soon as we returned from the beach. Katelyn helped me design a watercolor invitation, that turned out just adorable!  
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Lila greeted our guests with hugs and kisses, almost as if she knew everyone was there for her!  It was the sweetest thing to watch her love on our family and friends!
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Our simple menu included homemade cupcakes, bakery-bought sugar cookies, cups of vanilla ice cream, and sparkling peach lemonade!
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I planned to make cupcakes (and a smash cake, of course), because they're quick! Our family LOVES homemade caramel cake so I went with a mix of caramel and vanilla for guests to choose from.
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A bakery in the next town over makes adorable sugar cookies, so I ordered them in advance and had a family member pick them up for me.  We chose individual cups of vanilla ice cream so that it was easy to pick up and no one had to be on scooping duty!
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The sparkling peach lemonade was a recipe I just made up--a mix of homemade lemonade and peach crush--which turned out to be a refreshing mix!  I strung up a few of our favorite pictures of Lila for a festive touch.  The only other decorations we had was a sweet little ballon arch over her high chair!
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We kicked the party off with singing Happy Birthday and letting Lila dig into her very own cake!  She wasn't quite sure what was going, on but she quickly figured out that the best way to celebrate was to clap and eat cake!  
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It was simple and sweet, just like Lila.  She had the best time and thoroughly enjoyed herself, which made all of the time and effort totally worth it! I can't believe this year has flown by so fast, it has been an honor to be Lila's mom.  She is definitely sweet as a peach, and we can't wait to watch her continue to grow!
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For more great party ideas, be sure to check out our Pinterest page as well as our Parties blog category!  Here you'll find endless ideas and inspiration!
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Roxie's Favorite Gin Cocktails

7/17/2020

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It is no secret that I love a good cocktail!  A few weeks ago I shared with you my favorite champagne cocktails.  Click HERE to find them if you missed it, they are definitely worth trying!  In this post I want to share with you my favorite gin cocktails.  In the winter I am more of a bourbon girl, but when the summer heats up, I am in the mood for a lighter, refreshing option.  Gin and citrus fruit are my go-to ingredients during summertime.  
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Roxie in her kitchen.
One of the simplest gin drinks to whip up doesn't require many ingredients.  The Gin Rickey is quick, easy, refreshing, and perfect for summer.  For this drink you will mix 1.5 ounces of gin and the juice of 1/2 of a fresh lime in your favorite cocktail glass. (You can use bottled lime juice but it is just not as sweet and fresh as a fresh lime.) Top it off with club soda and ice and garnish with a lime.  It doesn't get much easier than that!  You are ready to sit outside under a fan or by the pool and dream of the beach!
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Another easy favorite for summer is the Orange blossom. I am lucky enough to have neighbors that share oranges from their orange tree and I am always looking for fun recipes that call for fresh squeezed juice.  One of my favorite tricks to squeeze all of my organges at once and freeze the juice in ice trays.  You can keep the juice cubes in the freezer and they are ready for your favorite cocktail when you are!  To make the orange blossom you combine 1.5 ounces of gin, 1 ounce fresh orange juice, 1/2 ounce lime juice, and 1/2 ounce simple syrup in a shaker with ice.  Shake well to combine, then pour into a chilled glass and garnish with an orange twist.  You can find this and other delicious recipes in the "Southern Cocktails" recipe book available in our store.  
The drink I have enjoyed the most this summer is a little something I came up with myself, called the Gin Roxie.  It is a take on the Gin Rickey with a little extra flair!  To make this cocktail you will fill your favorite cocktail glass with ice.  Squeeze the juice of a large orange wedge (or two of my frozen cubes), the juice of a large wedge of lime, and 1.5 ounces of gin.  Top it off with club soda and a lime slice and you have yourself a Gin Roxie.  This drink is so refreshing!  If I am sitting outside I love to sip it from my pretty floral, insulated cup from Paulk Vineyards winery.   
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Check out the video below to let Roxie show you how to crank out these cocktails!
Whether you are getting together with friends or just relaxing on your screened in porch, I hope these recipes inspire you to take a little time and enjoy the simple pleasures of summer in the south!
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To find a recipe card for the Gin Roxie, click HERE to visit our recipe archive.  Look around while you are there and find a little inspiration for your next summer soire! 
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Check out our store for a great selection of recipe books, including this cute cocktail book, "A Spot at the Bar".
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Freedom, Fun, and Potato Salad

7/3/2020

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PictureRoxie
I love the 4th of July. I love decorating the shop with flags and buntings.  I love the color red, I love sparklers, and I love cook-outs and all of the traditional southern dishes that are served at them! I love the sense of pride that surrounds this special day, filled with concerts, parades, family gatherings, and fireworks.  

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Our flagship store at The Shoppes at Fourth and Cherry.
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​Many 4th's of my childhood were spent at my grandparent's house in Arlington, VA, near Washington D.C.  The cousins would all gather in the side yard for a game of badminton or wiffle ball while the "grownups" prepared a 4th of July feast. Of course the night ended with a fabulous mini fireworks display hosted by the Uncles and Grandpa.  We never made it down to the Washington Monument to watch the big fire works but many times we watched from favorite spots in town with a great view. 
​My grandpa was a WWII vet and a history/government teacher so he never missed an opportunity to educate us on historical happenings and he did his best to instill in us a love of our country.  He was a patriot through and through.
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Though my 4th of July celebrations have become a bit more simple and quiet as an adult, it is still fun to get together and reflect on the blessings of living in an independent nation.  Whether we get invited to a barbeque at a friend's house or just hang out with whoever is home on Alder St., we always eat well!  The meal always includes something off the grill, and of course potato salad.  We southerners love our potato salad. There are so many delicious versions of this classic dish.  I will confess to you that I have never been a fan of traditional, southern potato salad with pickle relish.  I much prefer the more interesting versions full of extra veggies, unusual dressings, and maybe even a little blue cheese.  Bacon ranch potato salad has quickly become one of my favorites, second only to my dad's famous potato salad.  
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We have tweaked this recipe over the years and it has become one of the most popular versions of potato salad that we serve in our café.  Filled with boiled egg, celery, bacon, and ranch dressing, how can you go wrong? If you are looking for something new to try this 4th of July, head on over to our recipe archive and give this extra special potato salad a try.  ​
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Get the Recipe!
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You will also find many other delicious recipes, perfect for your summer gatherings.  Happy cooking and Happy 4th of July!
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You will find a great selection of cookbooks full of delicious southern recipes in our online store.  Be sure to check them out while you are here!
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Great Ideas for Setting a Summer Table

6/19/2020

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PictureRoxie inside The Southern Mercantile
It isn't any secret that I LOVE to set a pretty table.  I love table linens, dishes, glasses, silverware... if it involves entertaining, I am in.  I thought it would be fun to give you guys some examples of ways you can set a beautiful summer table.  These tips will come in handy whether you are having a couple of friends over for dinner or hosting a large party or shower.  I had a great time using some things from my own collection as well as things we offer in the store.  

My first tip for achieving an interesting and beautiful table is to mix old and new.  I love mixing my vintage finds in with new decor items.  For this table I used a beautiful vintage table cloth, vintage brass candlesticks and my vintage silverplate.  
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The white and green color pallet is so warm and inviting and was perfect for showing off gardenias and Queen Anne's lace from the garden.  
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My next tip is to not be afraid to mix different shades of white and off white.  For this table I mixed old and new plates.  The off white vintage floral plates sit atop the large white chargers and each place setting got a fresh gardenia to make things extra special.  
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Mom and I have had a great time collecting mix and match vintage brass candlesticks. We enjoyed them on the Christmas mantel last year and many of you gave them good homes during the holiday season!  If you are trying to think of other ways to use these beauties, I think it is a cute idea to re purpose these candlesticks as flower vases.  All candlesticks won't work for this but some have hollow centers that allow the flower stems to slide down.  While there is no way to keep the flowers in water, they will stay pretty for a few hours, long enough for you and your guests to enjoy during dinner.  

The next table is much lighter and casual.  I still used my vintage silverplate  for fun but mixed with more casual everyday dishes.  The zinnias and pittosporum were cut from my dad's yard and look so good in these textured white vases.  
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When your table is as pretty as this one, sometimes it is nice to use a runner rather than a full tablecloth.  This grey woven runner was just the right amount of texture and color to add a little life to this table.  
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If you are decorating your table for fun or for a special occasion, think of fun details you can add like these sweet little birds nests.  A little surprise on every plate!
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The next table has a much more modern feel.  The simple white dishes, succulents and black and white linens are begging for a fabulous lunch in the garden or supper served fresh off of the grill.  If you want to mix things up with your linens, try using double runners across the table rather than one runner down the middle. If you have a very long dining table, you might need 3 to achieve this look.  Mixing in the wood, terracotta and blown glass makes it feel very fresh with a nod to the west.  I imagine myself sitting on a fabulous patio in Arizona, surrounded by cactus and a gorgeous orange sun set.  Ok, I am getting carried away.  Can you tell I am really in love with this table?  
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I cut some of my biggest succulents for this table.  They happened to be blooming which was perfect to add a little length and drama to my arrangement.  Don't worry, they weren't wasted!  They were given to a friend to be potted where I am sure they will be very happy and make lots of succulent babies.  
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Just one more shot of this because I think it is perfection!
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The last table is a little more refined and traditional, set with woven place-mats, simple white dishes and plain stainless silverware.  A ginger jar shaped vase full of hydrangeas and gardenias adds a classic, southern feel. 
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A place-mat is a great option when you are setting places at your counter or if you have a beautiful table you want to show off.
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I hope you will have a little fun this summer dressing up your table, even if it is only for your family!  As always, we love to see how you are decorating at home,  so tag us on Facebook or Instagram!
To shop these beautiful tablescapes, visit our store HERE.
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White Textured Vases
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Marble and Wood Salad Servers
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Gold Stripe Vase
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