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.  

​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.

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.  

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.  ​

You will also find many other delicious recipes, perfect for your summer gatherings.  Happy cooking and Happy 4th of July!

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!

We had such a pretty spring this year here in South Georgia and Matt and I found ourselves out on the patio almost every evening.  The patio is always more fun with a cocktail so I decided to share a couple of my favorites with you.  These two cocktails require simple ingredients that are easy to keep on hand and are quick to mix up for unexpected guests or impromptu porch parties.  I purchased everything I needed at my local package store and my local Piggly Wiggly, definitely no fancy ingredients here!

Another delicious champagne cocktail is the Champagne Julep.  It is a crisp and bubbly alternative to the classic mint julep and is every bit as good! For this drink you will need: simple syrup, champagne, sugar cubes, and fresh mint.  I grew this mint in my little garden which makes it taste extra special to me!

Pictured here in a vintage champagne glass, this drink is traditionally served in a silver julep cup. See the video below for measurements and instructions.

If you love champagne, I hope you will take the time to try one of these delightful concoctions and let me know what you think.  From my porch to yours, cheers to the start of a happy and healthy summer!

If you get excited about fun and unusual cocktails, these two bar books are full of good ideas, and they are available on our website!  The French 75 recipe is from "Southern Cocktails" and I found the Champagne Julep, along with many other tempting libations in "A Spot at the Bar".  

To get all of the details on the tools and ingredients you'll need to make these two cocktails, along with measurements, check out my video below!

It's not too late to order one of our Southern Merc T-shirts featuring original artwork by our Katelyn!  Let our favorite Oscar Wilde quote help you remember to find your joy in simple things! They are on sale right now for $19 so grab yours while they last!

If there has been anything that I have experienced so far this summer, it is what it feels like to be hungry and hot!  Now being 8 months pregnant, I have found myself in a current state of snacking, rather than eating large meals.  While doing so, I have done my best to keep the snacks as healthy as possible.  You know that's a hard task with the sweet tooth I have!  

Here are a few favorite snacks that I thought any family would love--adults and kids alike!  Great for hot summer days, or relaxing summer nights, make a few new memories in the kitchen (or backyard) this year!   

Frozen Fruit Salad
This recipe was introduced to me by Mr. Terry, Roxie's dad!  He brought in this delicious treat one day at lunch and I just fell in love with its refreshing flavor!  This recipe can be made in individual servings or by the pan.  Perfect for a summer dinner party or afternoon snack, you're going to love this Frozen Fruit Salad!  Visit our Recipe Archive to find this recipe, along with other great recipes to try!

S'mores
There is something magical about s'mores...or maybe it's just the campfire.  Either way, I'll never turn them down!  Making memories around a fire with friends and family is always fun.  Whether you stick with the classic stack of graham crackers, hershey bars and roasted marshmallows, or you put a new spin on an old classic, you can't go wrong!  (I found a delicious S'mores Bar recipe that is so fun, and easy to make.)  My Nana always made a simple and yummy treat for us grandkids when we rustled up an appetite.  She would lay out saltine crackers on a pan, smear a little peanut butter on each one, and top them with a few mini marshmallows--then pop them in the toaster oven until the marshmallows were perfectly toasted!  It never failed, this simple treat would always make my night!  Maybe the magic is actually in the marshmallows...

Homemade Popsicles
Homemade popsicles are also something we would make as kids, that seemed so fancy at the time!  Even if it was something simple, like kool-aid, that my mom would pour in the molds, I felt like a summer princess eating my popsicle on the back steps.  I'd savor every bite while the melted drops of juice stained the dirt. Now, there are endless possibilities for making your own pops.  There are a million recipes ranging from using fresh fruit and yogurt (more healthy options) to fudge and ice-cream (a more indulgent choice).  Whichever you choose, popsicles should be pressure-free, fun snacks!  My personal favorite right now is a combination of homemade lemonade and fresh strawberries!

Trail Mix
A simple trail mix is as classic as it gets when it comes to summer snacks.  Whether your taking a week long road trip or a 30 minute grocery store run, a baggie of trail mix can save the day!  Mix it up ahead of time for a quick snack on-the-go!  Keep it as simple as you wish using cereals and pretzels, or shoot for a healthier option with dried fruits and nuts.  Trail mix is a great way to get the kids involved in choosing a fun snack they'll love to munch on!

Slushies
A slushie is another great way to sneak a little fruit into your daily diet, not to mention a quick way to cool down!  I usually opt for a quick combination of frozen fruit, ice and a splash of juice when I'm on the run--but your options are once again endless!  There is just something special about those tiny bits of chipped up ice that makes a simple drink all the more refreshing.

Fresh Popcorn
When it comes to summer nights, fresh popcorn is right up there on the list next to s'mores!  Whether you make it over a campfire, or on the stove, this fresh and flavorful snack is always a winner!  My roommate in college loved to make this quick and simple snack for us to have while we watched a movie or socialized.  I just love all of the possibilities and flavor combinations--they're endless!  Mary Claire's staple recipe was coconut oil, popcorn and salt.  It is so light and such a guiltless snack when kept simple!

Be sure to check out our Southern Summer board on our Pinterest page for more great summer snack ideas!  The possibilities are endless--so let loose and have a little fun with your food this summer!

We are fresh off of a trip to Atlanta for Vintage Market Days of Greater Atlanta and boy, did we have fun! We got to stay with a good friend from home, visit with show friends that we only see once or twice a year, and we got to chat with so many of you!  It was three days of excitement, creative inspiration and a touch of exhaustion! This has become a great show for us and a must-stop on the travel schedule for spring!

I was so pleased with this booth set up; it may have been my most favorite so far! I hope some of you caught my Instagram stories on set up day as I tried to give you the process from start to finish.  It is always so amazing to me that we start with such a mess and end up with something so inviting!  If you don't already follow us on Instagram, you can find us at @thesouthernmerc. The beautiful garden arbor that dad helped me build got to make another appearance and served as a lovely welcome to our space.  The shelves were stocked with cute kitchen items, garden decor, and plenty of fun vintage finds!

My mom and I have such a good time junkin' and finding unique and fun vintage items.  I love the personality and sense of nostalgia that vintage items give to your home and work space.  Mixing old with new is such a great way to make a space feel warm and inviting.  These vintage shows are so much fun for me, and also too tempting on my wallet!  I have a hard time resisting the cool and unusual things the other vendors bring.  

It is always a good day at work when you get to be with a good friend!  My friend, Melissa, from Greener Grass Handmade and I love it when we can make our paths cross.  We don't meet up for every show, but when we do, it is so much more fun!

While we truly do enjoy our time on the road, it can be exhausting.  Not only is the physical work so tiring, but the mental strain can be taxing.  There is so much to think of and plan for when you are running a brick and mortar store, while traveling to promote your online business.  The list of things to remember is endless, and you must always be friendly and helpful, even when you are tired! There is the constant mental battle of: Did I pack enough?  Did I pack too much? Did I pack the right things?  Am I making enough money?  Is this worth it?  It can all become very overwhelming! By the end of a travel season, I am usually feeling pretty exhausted and overwhelmed.  On the last day of this show, I was feeling pretty defeated and worn out.  I stepped outside, just to take a little break and regroup.  I have been to this facility several times before, but never noticed the inscription on this bench that is placed at the front entrance. 

I was moved to tears and had to take an extra minute to compose myself before going back in.  It was a beautiful reminder to me that the Lord is with me every step of the way, ready and willing to give me all the strength I need if I will only ask.  The prayer reads:

I had never heard of Paul Eddy, but he must have been truly loved and respected to have received such a beautiful memorial.  He founded the American Indian Festival, which was hosted at The Gwinnett County Fair Grounds and you can read a little more about him here.

This little moment outside the facility gave me just the boost I needed to pack up and make my way home with a renewed spirit.  Now, I am busy unpacking and getting the shop put back together as we roll into the ease of summer in the south.   

If you find yourself on the road this summer, we'd love for you to stop in for a visit!  Visit our flagship store in Ocilla, have lunch in our Cafe, and ramble around our sweet little town.  If you can't make it in person you can always keep up with us on the website!  Join our email list to stay connected and keep up with new products and our travel schedule.  We can't wait to get to know you!

​-Roxie

Happy Peach Season from The Southern Mercantile!  We LOVE peach season around here--we can't get enough of this Georgia grown fruit.  The possibilities are endlessly delicious!  Today we want to share two of our all-time favorite peach recipes with you (again).

If you are new to The Southern Mercantile, you may not have had the opportunity to be introduced to our Peach Bee Hives!  This dessert is not only beautiful, but delicious!  In our opinion, it's the perfect way to kick off the peach season.  Click here to read our step-by-step tutorial on how to craft this yummy treat, or click here to go directly to the recipe!

Check out the story behind everyone's favorite Peach Cake by clicking here!  This seasonal recipe is sure to wow the crowd.  A simple, yet delicious, take on a sweet peachy treat!

We hope you'll take the time to try these fun recipes this summer!  We'd love to know what you think, or if you have a favorite peach recipe yourself!  Tag us in your social media posts so we can see what you're up to in the kitchen!

Don't forget, we are still taking Pre-Orders for our Peach and Bourbon Peach Jam!  These flavors are made fresh in small batches while the peaches are in season.  Once it's gone, it's gone!  Click here to Pre-Order today!

We all love the idea of keeping little pot plants around the house and on the porch, especially this time of year.  Many folks have trouble keeping their little green beauties alive and become discouraged.  Succulents are truly the easiest little plants to grow, whether or not you have a green thumb!  Find a spot where they get enough light, don't over water, and you'll have happy little campers!  They basically like to be ignored, which is perfect for me.  My Dad and I have had pretty good luck over the last year with our succulent collections so I thought I would have him share some tips with you on keeping your succulents happy and rooting all the babies you will grow!

This is my Dad, affectionately known around town as Mr. Crain.  He taught elementary school for 27 years, is super creative, and happens to have a very green thumb.  He can grow anything!  I have tried to pick up tips from him over the years and, even though my little yard is looking pretty good, I am nowhere near his master gardener status!  He's also a pretty funny guy, so funny that he has his own hashtag you can follow on Instagram!

Your first step in starting a succulent collection is, of course, purchasing your first succulent!  Once your little succulent is home and happy, it will hopefully start to grow!  If it is not growing, it is probably not getting enough light.  I haven't had much luck with inside plants so my succulents live on my side porch where they get a good amount of afternoon sun. Tara's succulents are thriving in a bright laundry room window. You may have to try them in a couple different spots but you will know when they are happy because they will grow fast! Remember, it is very important to not over water your succulents so let them dry out before watering them.  You will really only need to water them once a week and when you do, don't drown them!

You'll want to save all of your cuttings because you can root anything you trim off of a succulent, even just one petal.  When you cut your succulents it is good to let them sit out a few days before putting them in dirt. The ends will dry out a little and they might even go ahead and sprout roots!​

Dad likes to start our cuttings out in little peat pots.  This just makes it easier to keep all of your little babies together so you can tend to them like a little nursery before potting them in larger containers.  You can even plant your cuttings in larger pots, leaving them in the peat pots, as they will disintegrate, but we like to re-use ours.  If you don't have peat pots you can just go ahead and plant your cuttings in a regular pot.  The potting soil you use is also an important element.  Dad uses a mixture of Black Kow, potting soil, and garden humus (compost). ​

After filling your peat pots with your soil mixture, just stick your cuttings or petals in the dirt.  Water them and leave them.  You will want to water them a few times a week as they are getting started.  Let them sit in the peat pots several weeks before transplanting them to other pots, to give them time to root. 

When it's time to move your little jewels to larger containers, you will need: more of your soil mixture, small rocks and pebbles, and your favorite interesting containers.  In addition to your favorite ceramic pots, get creative and repurpose vintage containers, cups and dishes into vessels for your succulents.  We think they look super cute planted in anything!  If you choose a container that does not drain, you will need to put small rocks in the bottom so that the water can drain inside the pot. (If your container has a drain hole, you can skip this step.)

Next you will cover your rocks with your potting soil mixture.  The size of your container will determine how much soil you need to add.  If your container is small you won't need much.  The soil you transfer from the peat pot will help to fill it up.  Lastly you remove your cuttings from the peat pots, making sure you bring new roots and growth with you, and place them in your chosen container.  ​

Don't be afraid to mix different varieties all in one container.  This will add interest and each variety will show different characteristics as they grow.  When they start to get too big you can always re-pot again!

We like to top our little pots off with small pebbles.  This helps keep your soil packed down and makes it look a little more finished and special.  

Dad and I hope these tips have been helpful and that you feel empowered to start your own succulent family!  Once you have them going you can have them growing all over the house!  If you want to use them in a room that doesn't get great light, just leave them in there for a week or two and then put them back outside. They also make beautiful and thoughtful gifts for special friends and relatives. 

If you need a cute new pot we've got your covered!  Check out these new items in our store.  Happy potting y'all!

​Fresh salsa really is so simple and easy to make, there is no reason to be intimidated and no reason you can't enjoy this treat all summer long! I will confess that I love to eat at a restaurant in Atlanta called Taqueria Del Sol. It is a small chain, and there are several in North Georgia and Tennessee, but we always go to the one in the West Side Provisions District because I just love, love, love this part of Atlanta! Taqueria  Del Sol has the best homemade salsa.  They offer three varieties on a little trio plate and Matt and I usually make quick work of it! Many years ago, I scoured the internet for recipes similar to their salsas.  It was so long ago, I can't remember where I found what I ended up with! My copy was hand written on a sheet of computer paper, with notes of alterations I had made.  I didn't know until doing a little research for this blog that Eddie Hernandez, co-owner of the restaurant, now has a cookbook!  I'll have to be hinting around to Matt that I want one for Christmas! 

For Fresh Tomato Salsa you will need:
4 tomatoes
2 jalepenos
1/4 bunch of cilantro
2 Tbsp. spoons yellow onion (I usually like a little extra onion)
salt 
​white vinegar

**Unless I am having a party, I usually half the recipe because it makes a lot!

If you want to punch up the flavor a little bit, you can try roasting your tomatoes and jalapeños for a Roasted Salsa.  For the roasted salsa you will need:
4 tomatoes
​2 jalepenos 
1/2 bunch of cilantro
1/4 of a medium sized yellow onion
salt
**Again, I usually make a half recipe.  It doesn't make quite as much as the fresh tomato salsa but it still makes a lot!

In no time you have two delicious, homemade salsas that are sure to please any guests!  I think they are best served on the patio with good friends and good tequila!  Haha!

If you try these recipes at home, I'd love to hear from you and know what you think!  Be sure to check out the store for cute kitchen accessories and serving pieces to bright up your summer kitchen.  From my kitchen to yours, happy eating! 

Check out our Kitchen category for cute new aprons and
​handy serving pieces for your next get together!

I was truly blessed growing up to be a part of a family that traveled.  Since my parents were both school teachers, we had plenty of time in the summer to pack up and hit the road!  Keep in mind, my parents were school teachers, so these were not glamourous vactations full of ski trips, water parks, restaraunts and hotels.  Our road trips consisted of tent camping (thank you K.O.A.), dinners from the cooler (a.k.a. cooler crud) and finding all the cool stops along the way that were free or cheap!  ​While our trips may have been a strain on the family budget, they were full of fun and happy memories (somehow you forget the stressful times when it is over).  My brother and I were really lucky to have gotten to see so much of the United States of America!

From Mt. Rushmore, Devil's Tower, and The Grand Canyon, to a tour up the west coast of California, Oregon, and Washington.  We visited the world's deepest hand-dug well in Greensburg, Kansas, Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, an Indian Pueblo in Taos, New Mexico, and the cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde, Colorado. 

​Every once in a while, usually in the fall, we got to go to places like Disney World and Sea World!

Of course, as a teenager these trips got a little embarrassing.  We were getting the car serviced in California on one of our trips, and I realized that my dad was wearing a tie-dyed tank top, shorts, fanny pack, and Mickey Mouse socks with sandals.  We were quite a sight!

​Y'all, this blog would be too long if I named all of the fun places my family traveled over the years!  We usually landed in Colorado for a week or so somewhere along the way to visit with my grandparents and play in the mountains we all still love so much!

Being able to travel and see so much of our beautiful country did so much to help shape who I am today.  I am a southern girl at heart, but I am sure you can tell by touring my home and reading my other posts that my style and personality has been heavily influenced by sights and experiences I was exposed to on our journeys!  What a priceless treasure, to have been able to soak up different cultures, styles, people, and landscapes.  Thanks to my adventurous parents for being willing to load us up and be away from home for weeks at a time.  Your kids are better people for it!

In honor of all of these nostalgic feelings this summer, Tara, Jorj and I thought it would be fun to spread the southern love across the whole country!  During the month of July we want to get a new Facebook "like" from at least one person in every state!  So, if you are reading this, and you don't already follow us on Facebook, head on over and like our page!  If you are a Facebook fan already, we hope you'll tag a friend from a far away place and help us reach our goal!  

​If you are heading out on a road trip of your own this summer, we hope you have safe and happy travels!  Share a picture with us along the way!
​-Roxie

I enjoy picking on my husband, who is fairly simple in his wardrobe choices, about how much he likes to “accessorize his food.” If there is a gravy, sauce, relish, or any other condiment anywhere nearby, he will find something to put it on! 

Of all the possibilities, I believe his favorite is peas with relish. There are many options, from the type of peas to the type of relish. Black-eyed peas are a favorite here in the south, but other varieties include Cream Forty or Cream 8, Pink-eyed Purple Hulls, Zipper peas, Crowder peas, or Ladyfinger.

 Now’s the time of year to put up peas in the freezer. After shelling the peas, blanch them in hot water for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes. Drain the peas and shock them in an ice-water bath, then drain again. Scoop the peas into freezer bags, label the bags, then store the bags in your freezer. If you don’t have time to shell your own peas, contact your local canning plant. They may have a sheller machine, or they may know someone like our friend, Owen Paulk, who will purchase shelled peas and even get them in freezer bags for you!

Most folks cook their peas with ham-hocks or a few pieces of bacon, but in an effort to be a little more healthy, we’ve switched to using Goya seasoning or just cooking them in chicken broth. You still get that meaty flavor without all the fat and sodium. Adding relish to peas gives them extra flavor, and you can use relish made from just about anything. My mama always made pear relish when I was growing up because we had pear trees. My mother-in-law makes green tomato relish from the piles of tomatoes they grow or have been given. A few years ago, my sister and I made a vegetable relish from zucchini, tomatoes, and onions, which I believe has become my husband’s favorite (Shhh! Don’t tell his mama! :) ​