Our most favorite time of the year has rolled around again as we welcomed in the Holiday season at our store with our 17th annual Christmas Open House!  November was extra busy for us this year with three out-of-town shows, plus getting ready for our open house, our biggest event of the year!  After a week in Birmingham, it was quite a feat to get everything ready in just one week! The shop feels so magical at Christmas time, full of glitter and twinkle lights.  There is something about decking the halls that brings a sense of peace, hope and excitement.  This year's them was "O Holy Night," which set the tone for such a beautiful afternoon! 

​The front window display has quickly become one of my favorites that we've done. The vintage stained glass windows make it feel so reverent and peaceful, and it is absolutely gorgeous at night!  Katelyn did a beautiful job hand-lettering the lyrics of "O Holy Night" to set the stage before guests even walked through the doors!

Our "front porch" was stocked with perfect holiday selections that speak to our simple, southern style.

Our vintage mule deer, Burl, received his annual Christmas spruce-up. 

Our Southern Merc kitchen was looking super festive, and those of you that see us on the road will recognize our fun mantel, full of stockings and garlands!

The dining table was set with sparkling eucalyptus, brass vases and our favorite ornaments from this year.  

The children's room was stocked with happy Christmas Jelly Cats and fun Christmas books.  If you guys aren't familiar with one of our favorite makers, Melissa of Greener Grass Handmade, check out her website here.  She makes the sweetest tepees, play costumes and holiday decorations.  

Tara made a beautiful and delicious tiered coconut cake for the occasion.  Side note, this is my most favorite cake!

We kept the food simple this year with a beautiful grazing table full of meats, cheeses, nuts and dried fruit. 

Jorjanne did a beautiful job setting up our spread!

Open house week is always a whirlwind, especially when I am just running in between trips!  I couldn't do all that I do without this group of gals!  They are so talented and amazing at what they do.  The Shoppes and The Southern Merc wouldn't happen without them.  

Now on to this year's Holiday travels!  Life on the road can be weary at times, and I won't lie, I am still tired from our trips! Loading and unloading the trailer, set-up and take-down, squeezing in laundry in the two-day window you are home; it is a lot to take on.  I will say that getting to visit with all of you makes it totally worth it!  From Birmingham to Ocilla, and Atlanta to Perry, we loved every minute of being with you this holiday season!  Your smiling faces, compliments, and excitement over your finds keep us motivated to keep it up.  Thanks for supporting us, either in person or online; we couldn't do it without you! Here are some highlights from our trips.

We'll be back on the road this spring so be sure to keep a watch on our schedule to see if we'll be in a town near you.  If you haven't already joined our email list, head on over and do that now.  It's the easiest way to keep up with where we are headed, what specials are going on, and you'll be able to take advantage of discounts that we only offer through email!  We promise you won't regret it!  We hope all of you have a very happy holiday season!  We are already looking forward to seeing you in 2020!

​I LOVE to wrap presents!  After 12 Christmas seasons in retail, you would think that I would be tired of gift wrapping by now!  Lovingly wrapping gifts is one of my favorite activities that comes around with the Holidays.  Every year and I am scouring the after Christmas sales for cute gift wrap, cards, tags, etc.  I was too embarrassed to take a picture of my entire gift wrap collection so I just picked a few of my favorites to show you!  I think it is so much fun to dress up my packages and put extra thought into the presentation of the gift.  Here, I am sharing with you a few of my tips on creating beautiful and special gifts!

I realized the other day, that since I have a little boy in the house again, I need to get back in the habit of making fun treats for the holidays. Now that Seth and Caleb are teenagers, they are not as easily impressed as they once were. (Although, having a baby brother has made some simple things more entertaining, especially if it makes Perry laugh!) This led me to remember how much fun we had making Moon Pie Turkeys for Thanksgiving each year, so I thought I'd share a repost of that blog I originally wrote in 2015. Hopefully, I can get it all together and make some this year. If you make them, we'd love for you to share your pictures! Post them on Facebook or Instagram and tag us. 

I’ve made moon pie turkeys every year since 2007, either for class Thanksgiving parties or our family Thanksgiving meal or both. Moon pie turkeys are easy and fun to make, so be sure to include kids for this treat! It has become a tradition for my boys to get in the kitchen and help me make them each year. In fact, this year when I brought home the boxes of moon pies, Seth excitedly asked, “Is it time for moon pie turkeys?!” ​

​When my older son, Seth, started preschool in 2007, I was put on the Thanksgiving party committee. We had turkey sandwiches (cut into turkeys using cookie cutters), cookie pilgrim hats, apple slices with pumpkin pie dip, and moon pie turkeys. I had decorated moon pies for Halloween after seeing the idea in a magazine (probably Southern Living, All You, or Family Fun, I don’t remember which). I had several moon pies, bags of candy corn, and chocolate almond bark left over, so I got creative and came up with moon pie turkeys!
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​Now, if you are not from the South, you may not know what a moon pie is, but let me tell you, there is not a more Southern snack than a moon pie with an RC Cola (except maybe peanuts and a glass bottle Coke!). A moon pie is “the perfect combination of marshmallow, graham and chocolate” - just check out the story on www.moonpie.com!

Simply melt chocolate almond bark and place in a piping bag with a small round tip. Insert candy corns point down into the edge of the moon pie to make the turkey’s tail feathers. Pipe the melted chocolate around the top edge of the moon pie. Next pipe a dot of chocolate on the flat side and place a candy corn on it point down again to make the beak. As the chocolate dries, it will hold the candy corns in place. I also like to use orange candi-quik to make the eyes by just piping two dots over the beak. I use mini moon pies when I can find them, just because they are the perfect size for kids to hold on to and eat, and usually there are plenty of other desserts around! ​

I have always enjoyed Halloween, even though as a child I did not get to trick-or-treat very often, thanks to living way out in the country. But, Fall festivals in our little community with apple bobbing, costume contests, and haunted houses made up for it. As a teen, my friends and I created our own haunted house downtown using the house my friend’s parents were renovating. We may have had a little too much fun scaring the children (and their mamas!). Even now, dressing up my family for our church’s Trick-or-Trunk is a project I enjoy. This year, we were a 3-Ring Circus - kind of like every day! You can read more about our costumes in my blog, A Trophy Family with a Winning Recipe.

Soon after Halloween, we get to celebrate Thanksgiving as well. What could be better than gathering with family and friends to eat, play, laugh, reminisce, and rest together? Counting our blessings is something we should certainly do everyday throughout the year, but setting aside a day to do it together makes it even more meaningful. You can learn more about my family's Thanksgiving traditions by reading Thanksgiving at the Cabin.

My family of boys and I enjoy camping, especially in the Fall. Although we have graduated from a tent to borrowing my in-laws' camper, you can see some of our favorite camping trips in my blog, 5 Southern Camping Spots. We did not get to go camping this Fall, but we did take a couple of day trips to enjoy the season. We had a blast at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Georgia. (And, for the record, no, we did not name our youngest son after the Fair or the Livestock Show that also takes place in that city. ;) Purchasing Georgia Grown products like goat soaps, Bourbon Fig Jam, and honey sticks; visiting the Baby Barn to see cows waiting to give birth and petting baby piglets; checking out the arts and crafts competition; and of course, enjoying a funnel cake were the highlights of our day. My boys aren’t big on the rides at the Fair, so we just skipped that area, but we still had a fun-filled day.

​Lila made her way into this world on July 20th, 2019.  It was all a blur, and movie-like almost, as I stood on the sidewalk outside of Longhorn's Steakhouse.  My belly was full (in more ways than one), and I was on the phone with my dad when my water broke right then and there for all of the patiently waiting customers to see.  I stared at the puddle in surprise and giggled as Phillip yelled at me to get in the car. (I guess he didn't think it was funny.)

I quickly realized how funny it wasn't as the contractions became stronger.  I had been reading books and watching documentaries all to prepare me for this moment, and somehow none of it mattered.  Lila was on her way, and that was all I could think about!

She arrived at 10:58, a little over two hours after my water broke.  What a whirlwind!  

She was tiny, dark and beautiful.  I couldn't believe I was her mom.  As I held her close and stared at her, all I could think about was how miraculous of an experience this all was.

In the beginning, it was as if I had trouble believing that there was really a baby growing inside of me.  However, from the very moment I felt her move, that all changed.  All of the sudden I was overly aware that she was there, that she was a part of me.  As she grew, so did my attachment of her.  I started dreaming of who she'd be and what she'd look like.  It also became so evident to me that she did not belong to me, she belonged to God.

​God gave us this gift of Lila, and she was in His hands.  I don't mean to sound morbid, but I had to train my thoughts to acknowledge that truth.  It did, in a way, stunt the growth of my attachment to her.  But looking back, it was a gift.  It was a gift to be able to fully recognize that she belonged to HIM. That HE was allowing me to be her mom--not her creator.  From time to time fear would rise up in me--what if something happened to her?  What if I lost her?  What if I lost her during delivery?  But the fear didn't stop there.  What if she gets sick after she is born?  What if she gets in an accident and dies suddenly as a child?  What if?

Then an overwhelming peace came.  She belongs to God.  He is in control.  He will take care of her.  And if He decides to call her home, she will come, whether I am ready or not.  Acknowledging that truth early on allowed me to fully love her without overwhelming fear. (*I am human, so not completely without fear.)  To care for her and raise her with the attitude that she belongs to God.  Now, I know she has only been here for 3 months, and the reality is that as time passes and she grows, it will be challenging to remain in this mindset.  However, by choosing to raise her in this way, I will take it day by day.  Daily I will choose to lift her up to the Lord.  Daily I will love her like the miraculous gift she is.

​With one placement ending during the 7th month of my pregnancy, Phillip and I decided to take a break from foster care until after Lila was born.  We could take up to a six month break before having to redo our training, so that was the plan.  Now, we find ourselves at the end of our break, preparing our hearts to open our home again.  It is a bittersweet feeling, but it doesn't come without fear.  

Like I said, early on in my pregnancy, I was able to train my thoughts and come to grips with the truth that Lila belonged to God.  Although Phillip knows this in his mind, it was still sinking into his heart.  Phillip became anxious about foster care and its role in our family's life.  He was fearful of what could happen to her once we welcomed other children into our home--children who come from a broken past and who have experienced violence and abuse.  Through many prayers and discussions, we finally agreed that foster care is the path that our family is called to.  That meeting these broken children where they are and loving them like Jesus does is the life we want to live.  

As I thought about the fear of what could happen to Lila as we open up our home more and more, I was reminded of Abraham. 
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" He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”  "  Genesis 22:2

Take your son, your only son, whom you love...and offer him there as a burnt offering. (If you have never read this story, or it's been a while since you have, read it now! )
Wow.  If this story didn't get to me before, it certainly does now that I am a parent.  Abraham, being the faithful servant he was, obeyed.  He didn't question God.  He didn't bargain with God.  He was obedient.  Was he so full of faith that he knew the Lord would provide a lamb?  Or was he acknowledging the truth that Isaac belonged to God?  Or both?
I sat, with tear-filled eyes, and thought to myself--I love Lila, but God loves her more.  

I want to raise my family in a way that honors The Lord.  I want my time on this earth to be about other people--sharing the love of Christ.  I want Lila to understand just what Jesus intended our lives to be--full of love and sacrifice.  

Lila Monroe Smith is a pure JOY.  She is the sweetest-natured baby and loves everyone she meets.  She looks just like her daddy, but might have her mama's eyes.  She is the best snuggler and loves to chat.  She loves being outside and reading books.  Lila is the best gift--and we are so excited to be her mom and dad.

Thank you to Dixie Cook Sherrod for the beautiful photos!

Just in case you weren’t aware, every small, southern town has some sort of festival or celebration in which the community gathers together in honor of a (sometimes) quirky theme.  The Fire Ant Festival, Pig Jig, Wild Chicken Festival, and Shrimp Festival, just to name a few.  Here in Ocilla, we celebrate The Sweet Potato Festival. ​

**Photo credits: most of the pictures in this post came from the Irwin County Indians Facebook page, except those noted from the White-out game, which were taken by Renee Hartley (aka Photogirl).

My Papa was one heck of a man.  Honest, trustworthy, dedicated, patient, kind, hardworking, simple, loving...I could go on and on.  One of his great loves was fishing.  He loved it so much, that he made sure his kids and grandkids had the opportunity to learn and love it too.  I remember digging up worms in his worm bed, learning to bait a hook with stuck and bloody fingers, starting off with a cane pole and graduating to a rod and reel, sitting on an upside-down 5 gallon bucket, and getting caught in the trees more times than I'd like to admit. ​ He cultivated a love for the outdoors in me at a young age, and I still enjoy fishing today.

​My Nana's parents, who we called Pap and Granny Honey, also loved to fish.  They decided to make use of a low spot behind their house and have a small pond dug.  This turned out to be perfect for us kids, since Nana and Papa lived right next door!  I remember thinking how magical and mysterious this small wooded pond was--never knowing what I'd pull out of that dark water.

From an early age, I remember loving the taste of fried fish.  Our family usually gathered over a "fish fry" to celebrate birthdays, holidays and other special occasions.  With such a large family to feed, this was one cost-effective way to please the crowd.  Papa would fish for weekends, freezing his bounty, saving up for the big day.  He and Nana would stand over the bubbling grease, waiting for the hushpuppies to float.  Served alongside grits, homemade french fries, and slaw, it was a feast.  He would stand in line with us kids, telling us what each piece was and what he thought we might like best.  Then my mom or Nana would help us diligently pick it off of the bones to ensure we didn't accidentally swallow one and ruin the night.  I'd sit barefoot at the table with my legs crisscrossed feeling like I was in heaven.

​There was a period of time that I spent every Friday night with my grandparents.  They, along with about 10 other couples, would gather at the cabin to hold a weekly fish fry.  The men would spend their week catching as many fish as they could just so they would have an excuse to get together for supper.  The women would bring in their specialties, whether it be a side or dessert, as their contribution.  I remember sitting at a table, surrounded by "old women" talking about "old men", while the men gathered in the kitchen to chit chat and heat the grease.  I didn't care that I was the only kid there--I got to eat my favorite meal and go home with my favorite people.       

When my Papa got sick, I reflected on what it was about him that I admire and would miss so much.  I decided that if I could marry someone that was half of the man he was, I would be happy.  Little did I know that Phillip would come calling, and I would find him, too, honest, trustworthy, dedicated, patient, kind, hardworking, simple, and loving.  The funny thing is, Phillip is also a carpenter (like my Papa), and he too loves to fish.  

Phillip's family has a deep love for fishing as well, and "fish frys" are a common occurrence around their house.  Needless to say, I fit right in.  ​

​Fried catfish and bream may seem like a poor man's dinner to some, but let me tell you, it's a feast fit for a king.  I love the feeling of nostalgia and flood of memories that hot, greasy fish and homemade french fries bring.  You know the old saying, "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day.  Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime."?  It is easy to believe that if I had only eaten a plate of fish at family get-togethers, rather than investing in the experience of fishing as a child, I wouldn't feel the way I do today.  Good thing my Papa taught us to fish, because it did more than feed us for a lifetime.  

​If fried fish is new to you, but you'd like to give it a try, take home the Deep South cookbook!  It showcases traditional Southern meals, like fried catfish with hush puppies and tartar sauce.  Yum!

And in case you didn't know, lemon pie is a must when fish is on the menu.  If you don't have a recipe of your own that you love, try out our Southern Pies cookbook!

Here in the South, we love to call a dish a "salad." Think about it - Watergate Salad, pear salad, chicken salads, congealed salads, frozen salads, ham salad - what really makes a salad a salad? Maybe it just makes us feel better about eating it? 

Possibly the most confusing "salad" we serve at our Cafe is a dish called "Hot Chicken Salad," which is really more of a casserole. Adding to the confusion is the fact that we keep these Hot Chicken Salads in the freezer for sale for customers to bake at home! ​

It may be confusing, but one thing is for sure - it is delicious! Creamy chicken and rice, dotted with celery, boiled eggs, and almonds, all baked together makes for comfort food at its finest. Its ingredient list is simple, making it perfect for a weekday dinner or covered dish supper, but it can also be dressed up for company with a few extra almonds on top. Pair it with a green salad (meaning one made with lettuce, but no judgment if it's a Watergate Salad),  or green beans for an easy meal just about anyone will eat!

Since it is a comfort food dish that almost anyone will eat, it's perfect for taking to a church potluck or to someone's house who's just had a baby or death in the family. In fact, the recipe is enough to make two large (9x13) pans, so you can bake one for your family and one to share! Tara's blog post, A Little Food Goes a Long Way, tells just how much sharing food with our neighbors really means!

If you love the carved wooden spoon and cotton trivet in the picture above, you're in luck! Both are available to purchase in The Southern Mercantile Kitchen category.