Rachel Henderson is our guest blogger today! She is from Jackson, Mississippi. She has a true heart for creativity and always a positive zeal for life!

“This is photography taken to a whole new level. The second I saw these, I fell in love. I can’t imagine what the photo shoots must be like with these furry, slithery, and feathery friends involved, but it sure is cute.”

The Animal Print Shop

Silver mint julep cups are classic and simple accents that can give any home a little more Southern charm. According to Kentucky’s Derby Museum, the mint julep became Churchill Downs’ signature drink in 1938 when they started serving juleps in souvenir glasses for 75 cents apiece. Seventy years later julep cups will cost you anywhere from $6 to $30, to even hundreds of dollars for unique or antique silver varieties. You can pick them up for a number of places including online vendors like Save on Crafts or bigger box retailers such as Pottery Barn. If you’re like me and prefer to buy yours from a truly Southern shop, try the Historic Charleston Foundation where all profits go towards historic preservation of the Holy City.

Photo: Pottery Barn

Whether you need a beautiful vase for the dinner table, a small arrangement to welcome overnight guests, or something a little classier for your candle or even your toothbrush – julep cups will exceed your design expectations.

Photo: A Country Farm House

And if these photos only make you thirsty, you can always stick with the intended purpose. Enjoy!

Classic Mint Julep:

• Boil equal parts of water and sugar in a small saucepan for 3-4 minutes until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add a dozen fresh mint leaves. Let cool completely, storing in the refrigerator overnight.
• Place a couple more fresh mint leaves and a tablespoon of mint syrup in each chilled julep cup. Gently press the leaves to open up flavors, but do not fully muddle.
• Fill cup with crushed ice and pour an ounce of bourbon over the ice.
• Add a straw and serve COLD.

Photo: The Seattle Times

Guest Blogger: Amy writes an adorable and funny blog with her husband called Triangle Honeymoon. You can read her blog here: www.trianglehoneymoon.com

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

I don’t know what it is about them, but I am immediately drawn to stripes. I’m talking striped anything – clothing, shoes, curtains, candles and more! Stripes make me quite happy and, lucky for me, they’ve been in abundance this past season. Whether you want to go all out in stripes or just a hint here and there, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of my favorite stripey picks for right now.

1. Madewell’s Sea Stripes Tee 2. Amsterdam Stripes Top 3. Frieda Tortoise Sunglasses 4. Aztec Embroidery Scarf 5. Keds Champion Fall Stripes Shoe 6. Jute Floor Cushion

Guest Blogger: Elise Yetton writes the popular and chic Pennyweight blog, as well as runs her own Etsy store, Troubadour Vintage. You can read her blog here: www.pennyweightonline.com

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

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!