A wine and cheese party may seem a little too snooty to some, but by adding some Southern flavor, you can create a relaxed environment to make anyone feel comfortable! Here are our essentials and resources for making your next get-together a Southern Wine and Cheese Party!

4. Meats
A variety of cured meats to go with the cheeses ensures that no one goes hungry at your party! Salami, pepperoni, and sliced deli meats are typical choices, but a summer sausage from Carroll’s Sausage and Country Store makes a delightfully Southern option.

5. Honey
I know, it may seem like a crazy combination, but honey and cheese are delicious together! Try Savannah Bee Company’s Honey for Cheese or any of their honeys for that matter!  Or, find a local beekeeper for the freshest honey in your area.

6. Fruits
Start with what’s in season at the time near you. Fresh peaches, pears, berries, muscadine grapes, and apples all go well with your wines and cheeses and look beautiful on your table. Find a pick-your-own or farmers’ market for the freshest produce. Add in some jellies and preserves along with dried fruits and nuts for a little variety. Great resources include:
www.lanesouthernorchards.com
www.pearsonfarm.com
www.mercier-orchards.com
www.jaemorfarms.com
www.paulkvineyards.com
www.southernmercantile.com

Don’t worry about incorporating all of these ideas- even just one or two will give your soiree a Southern touch. Remember, the point is to keep it relaxed, so we don’t want you stressing out! This is Simple Living, Southern Charm at its finest!

With Mother's Day right around the corner, we thought it fitting to repost one of our favorite blogs, How's Your Mama Doing?

It’s something we have all said and it’s something that we have always been asked.  “How’s your Mama doing?”  This is the southern way of taking, “Hi, how are you?” to the next level.  It is something that is said to express that you are more than just an acquaintance, but that they know you and your family quite well.  It is meant to sound caring and interested in your personal life, without getting too personal. ​

With one year of marriage under our belt, Phillip and I have decided to take a big step.  We bought a house!  We've considered all the options and discussed our future plans in great detail--which led us to make the decision to purchase our first home together and invest our lives, time and money even more so into this community we love. As I began to pack up the house that we had already made a home, I began to think back over how many times I have moved in the past 7 years.  I have moved every. single. year.  With that being said, you can only imagine how good at packing I have become and how skilled a mover my step dad is.  I wouldn't be where I am today, literally, if it weren't for my mom, Linda and my stepdad, Carl. So, I would like to dedicate Tips for a Smooth Move to Linda and Carl.

1. Create a game plan
Everything runs smoother when you follow a plan.  There are less surprises to be had and less mistakes to be made.  Whether you think packing up one entire room at a time works best, or packing up similar items throughout the house makes more sense, pick a plan and stick to it! Either way, you will want to start packing items that are less important or less frequently used first.  I decided to pack similar items together that I gathered throughout the house.  To me, this process will make setting up my new home easier with like items being together.  

2. Make a timeline
Under our circumstances, Phillip and I had to be completely out of our house within 30 days.  With that being said, we knew we needed to set a timeline to ensure that we would not begin to feel overwhelmed. We set goals for ourselves every week to make sure we were on track and could get the job done.  It is important to factor in a few extra free days in the event of bad weather or emergencies.  If nothing else, a timeline helps to create organization and expectations.   

3. Designate a "ready to go" area
To cut down on confusion, designate an area of the house where you can begin to stack boxes and tubs that are completely packed, taped up and ready to go!  This will especially help you if you are able to move things out gradually.

4. Gathering boxes and paper
I am lucky enough to work somewhere that receives deliveries on a regular basis, which means an endless supply of boxes and packing supplies!  If you don't have supplies like this at your disposal, you will want to do a little leg work to line up gathering these supplies for free!  Contact your local retail stores and ask if they would be willing to let you take empty boxes off their hands.  I would recommend doing this in person, to show that you are serious and appreciative of their help.  Most companies throw away these precious cardboard containers and would be more than happy to let you have them!

5. Clean it up
Clean as you go.  Before packing any clothing, linens, kitchenware or décor item , make sure it is clean!  If you even think it might be dirty, wash it!  You will feel so good to know that when you are unpacking things in your new home there will be no need to worry about its cleanliness. (I would still recommend running glassware and dishes through the dishwasher when unpacking!)

6. Throw it out/Give it away
If you're like me and you have time to think about what you're packing as you pack it, ask yourself a few questions in the process.  This will help you eliminate the mess and avoid moving unwanted, unneeded or expired items.  Why start out in a new home with things you don't want or need?
When it comes to medicine and food, is it expired? 
When it comes to clothes, have you worn it in the past year? Does it still fit?  Do you like wearing it?  Is it still "your style"?
When it comes to home goods, do you have more than one?  Do you need it?  Do you use it?  Does it fit your personal taste?

7. Choosing the right box for the job
When you begin the packing process, keep in mind that these boxes will be picked up quite a few times--meaning, make a good choice when choosing each box!  When packing books or any other dense item, make sure that you choose a box that will be sturdy enough and not too big for the job.  Remember, you want to be able to pick up the boxes--so don't pack them too heavy!  When packing breakables, make sure the box is sturdy and not too roomy.
 
8. Label everything
Once a box or tub is packed, make sure that you have labeled it in such a way that it is easy to read and recognize.  If you don't want to write on your tubs (like me), just tape a piece of paper to the outside claiming its contents.

9. Organize the new space
Whether you are storing your belongings in a storage unit or in your new home, it is always a good idea to try to organize your boxes in the new space.  I definitely put all of the boxes with the word KITCHEN on them together in storage!  This will make it easier when the day comes that you begin digging into the cardboard jungle!

10. Feed your help
One thing that us Southerners like to do is feed people.  So, don't let the madness of moving make you lose your touch!  Make sure that you have drinks and snacks available for all of your trustee volunteers--or just take them out for pizza!  Either way, keep them in mind and show them how much you appreciate all of their hard work.

​I hope these simple tips come in handy someday.  They have proven to help us make a smooth move and I hope they do the same for you!  I can't wait to share more of our home with you, but for now, here's a sneak peek at our front door!

As the mother of two busy, growing boys, I know how hectic life can be, running from work to sports practices and games, then to art lessons and church. I also know how important having dinner together at home is. According to www.familydinnerproject.org:


“Over the past 15 years researchers have confirmed what parents have known for a long time: sharing a family meal is good for the spirit, the brain and the health of all family members. Recent studies link regular family dinners with many behaviors that parents pray for: lower rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy and depression, as well as higher grade-point averages and self-esteem. Studies also indicate that dinner conversation is a more potent vocabulary-booster than reading, and the stories told around the kitchen table help our children build resilience. The icing on the cake is that regular family meals also lower the rates of obesity and eating disorders in children and adolescents.”

Here are my 5 tips for how to make Family Dinner happen, in spite of busy schedules:

1. Plan ahead.
I try to take the time on Sunday evening to look through our family’s schedule for the next week to determine which nights we can eat at home and which nights we’ll have to eat out. I plan my meals based on the amount of time I will have to cook each evening. (This also helps our family budget, which makes my hubby happy!) My family’s favorite meal on a night I don’t have a lot of time is nachos. We each choose our own toppings, from ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. We also love to add sour cream and homemade salsa and guacamole. Make sure you’re signed up for our email list and join our Recipe Club to receive a Recipe Card with our Homemade Salsa and Guacamole recipes!

The South is characterized by many things, such as food, drink, flowers, traditions, proper dress and manners.  If you are looking to add Southern touches to your summer wedding, here is what you need to know!

1. Use flowers and greenery that are native to the South
Nothing says southern elegance like a trail of camellia leaves and hydrangeas.  When choosing the florals for your wedding, don't discount the simple pleasures of our native blooms.  Whether you incorporate the richness magnolia leaves bring or the vibrance of zinnias, take your first clue from what's growing around you.

2. Serve sweet tea as the beverage of choice
When it comes to a Southern wedding, it isn't complete without guests sipping on sweet tea.  Nothing is more refreshing or nostalgic than an ice cold glass of tea in the midst of summer.  Whether you're serving brunch, lunch or supper--sweet tea will be well received.

3. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
Though this tradition seems to be slowly forgotten, think of it as an opportunity to have a little fun and, not to mention, gain a little good luck on your big day!  Something new usually takes care of itself, but be sure to include your sisters, mothers, grandmothers and bridesmaids on the hunt for finding something old, borrowed and blue.  Here in the South, we like tradition--so why break one that adds a little fun?  We love how this photo captures each sweet piece--found on Style me Pretty!

4. Touches of seersucker
Although a seersucker suit may not strike your fancy, consider adding touches of seersucker to carry through the Southern summer theme.  Perfect for a coastal wedding, seersucker can be found in the form of bow ties or jackets, ring bearer pillows or flower girl dresses.  Get creative and throw in a taste of proper Southern dress. (My personal favorite is this seersucker bubble dress by Ralph Lauren!) 

5. Handwritten thank you notes
If you haven't read The Art of the Thank You Note, you should.  Handwritten thank you notes are a dying art, but one that should follow after every wedding.  If you are to have a true Southern wedding, you must put the pen to the stationery and pour out your thanksgiving.  Manners are a must when it comes to your big day, so don't let this simple tip slip away!