Occasionally I get tired of the same ol’ same ol’ foods and desire something different. Mexican, American, home-cooked, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Italian, German…. GREEK! Some of the most flavorful dishes are found in Greek cuisine. Where is your Greek restaurant near you?? I just want a great GYRO (pronounced: YEER-o)!

What’s in your oven?? Try out these Oreo Muffins for a get together or morning gathering.

What’s in them?

1 3/4 cups self rising flour

3/4 cup of sugar

3/4 cup milk

1/3 cup sour cream

1 egg, beaten

4 TBSP melted margarine

10-15 Oreo Cookies smashed

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Turn oven to 400 degrees. Cook for 20-25 minutes.

Often times people pass up the avocado section at local supermarkets or farmers markets. Reason?? People don’t know the proper way to choose, core, cut, and serve avocados.

The first the you need to do is decide when you will be serving the dish. The sooner, the softer, yet not too soft. You want the skin to still be close to the actual meat of the avocado.

After unpacking the groceries, take the avocado over a chopping block and slice lengthwise.

Next, you can either stick the knife as if to cut the seed and twist to remove, or you can spoon it out.

If you are serving on a salad, you may want to have slices. You will need to make slice marks while holding half still in its shell, then spoon out and serve.

If you are making guacamole, do the same as above but slice the length and width of the avocado. Careful not to cut the outer portion (only make marks through the green).

Let’s be honest. Somedays I’d rather be perched in a tree house:  relaxing in the branches, tucked away in my green hideout, taking a break from the world below. The thought makes me feel like a little girl again! And now, my friends, I have found just such an escape that, let’s say, passes as a little more age-appropriate. Tucked away in the Atlanta, Georgia suburb of Buckhead, this particular Treehouse offers a delicious meal and comfy atmosphere for all of its guests. Invite some friends, coworkers, and family alike, and without question you’ll want to return for more. May I recommend the grilled cheese with tomato?

In Atlanta? Please come on in and join me!

Somehow my food just tastes better under colorful umbrellas, in good company, and on an outdoor patio.

And to think I get to leave this tree house with twig-free hair and still so refreshed!

I’ve got a little something to share with y’all:  Birmingham, Alabama is not a place to be overlooked. From delicious barbecue joints to chic boutiques, the magic city possesses some true Southern charm. And shall I mention what comes to town for the hot summer months? That’s right…a fresh farmers market. The historic Pepper Place greets the sunrise every Saturday of the summer months with farmers, vendors, musicians galore! In need of some fresh veggies? Want a little atmosphere while you browse? Well, throw on your tank top and flip flops and meet me at the Pepper Place Farmers Market!

There seems always to be a running list of “must reads.” Not sure that I’ll ever get to the bottom of it. But who says I can’t take the time to admire it? Jane Mount offers a little help.

This Atlanta girl will help you create your ideal bookshelf. Pretty, isn’t it? Maybe I would include a little Nancy Drew, Gone with the Wind, and Francine Rivers. Or maybe all cookbooks…

What’s on your bookshelf?

Folks, the afternoon sun has arched high in the sky, and these ice pops have hardly ever looked more refreshing. Thanks, Martha!

Garner State Park

There are all different types of landscapes to be enjoyed in Texas, but the Hill Country is by far my favorite! You can hit the road for just a weekend and get a good sampling of what makes this part of Texas so great.

Starting in Fredericksburg, you’ll have no trouble finding a cozy little B&B to lodge in.

Serendipity Guest House

Fredericksburg has shopping, wine, rodeos and great food to offer! Soak it all up on the first leg of your trip. A little tip – wherever you decide to eat, order something that is neither fried nor covered in gravy. This is the only town on your route where you will find such items on the menu. Save the chicken-fried craving for day two! You can hold out just a little longer!

When you’ve had your Fredericksburg fill, head down the road to Luckenbach, Texas. There are events scheduled here most weekends that draw hundreds of people and feature some great bands! But if you do nothing else, pull over, grab a t-shirt and ride a bull. Well – hop up on a rather docile longhorn for a photo-op anyway. You can definitely make it for at least 8 seconds!

Keep on trucking and head south toward Garner State Park. Hop in the swimming hole and rinse all the road dust off! This gorgeous park offers swimming, canoeing, paddle boating and rope swinging (which is not recommended for bikini-clad swimmers). You can also pitch a tent and set up camp for the night, if you haven’t made a reservation at one of the many cabins to be had in this area.

Garner Swimming Hole

Charming, breathtaking, rugged and just downright fun! Come enjoy the Texas Hill Country!

Guest Blogger: Jenni Roberts is a photographer in Austin, Texas. She and her sister recently took a little trip to the Texas hill country. You can read her blog here: http://jifferdoodle.blogspot.com/

Interested in guest blogging on Southern Flourish? Click here to learn more!

Have you ever caught yourself having a “Blonde Moment?” Well this southern gal knows ALL about those… and more. Debbie Thornton writes blonde, A.D.D. cookbooks. They’re not just for Blondes though, check out AnotherBlondeMoment.com.

Blondicated to blondes, brunettes, redheads & gray heads

Layers real live recipes in A.D.D. form (step by step) MIX. COMBINE. SPRINKLE

Organizes few ingredients 6 to 9

Need Big, Bold over 45 print? YOU’VE GOT IT!

Describes each recipe with fun blondeyness names (Poppy Seed Bread is “Make His Eyes Pop!”)

Each recipe is filled with humor, faithand is blondelicious!

The Motto: Whether you were born blonde, bottle blonde, or just act like a blonde, WE ALL SHARE THE SAME ROOTS!

Great as gifts for parties and brides!

What Southern hostess doesn’t enjoy an evening spent in good company, cooling off from a sun soaked day on the creaking wood boards and welcoming rocking chairs of the front porch? With the help of Anthropologie and Southern-bred author Denise Gee, we have ourselves some refreshing sips and a lovely get-together. How charming…

So why don’t you step outdoors with me and enjoy the summer night air? Drink in the cool breeze. Feel the blanket of warm air on your skin from a sun just setting. Maybe even catch a lightning bug.

Please, come and sit for a spell.