5 on Friday [09.19]

Happy Friday!!

*one*

Wow, this week has been a fun one with little miss! I think she's completed her first "leap" according to the Wonder Weeks concept because she has grown so much! Lots of smiles and focusing on things. She's actually cooing and seems to be "playing"! Well, playing as much as a 7-week old would.

*two*

A longggg while back I wrote a post about shopping local and why we try to do it whenever we can. So imagine how excited I was when I discovered a new farm stand minutes from our house! I mean, I pass this thing on an almost daily basis. When I finally stopped by this week I was quickly greeted with lots of welcoming smiles and free samples. The owner then told me their plans to build an actual shop and "farmer's market" restaurant in that location at the beginning of next year. I just about hugged my new BFF in excitement. One of the things I miss most about Raleigh is the Farmer's Market shops and restaurant. Eeeeek! Cannot wait! Check them out on facebook at Country Olive!

*three*

We are participating in our first yard sale this weekend. When did we grow up?? I feel like yard sales are a very grown up thing to do. 

Who wants to come buy our crap? I mean "stuff". . .

Baby not for sale. Unlessss the offer is right ;-)

*four*

So, I have recently joined a MOPS group and I am in love! MOPS is an incredible Christian organization for mommies of young ones.  I love that the women are from all different walks of life, yet so welcoming and fun. A wonderful group to grow with!

*five*   

Can I just say how much I love this time of year? The cooler temps, the constant football, the constant weekend offerings. This time of year fills my heart!

Buying Local!

We love to buy local whenever we can. It started with visiting local restaurants and the farmer’s market and expanded to our CSA experience at Barbee Farms and local brews.

Importance

    Why is it important to us? There are lots of different reasons, one of which is that we like to support the business that keep our community unique. We chose to live where we do after a lot of thought. We want to keep it as special as it was the day we moved into our home!

Small Business Builders

    We’ve both worked for small businesses before and we know the effort that goes into keeping them afloat. Without the public’s support they wouldn’t exist! They work their tails off for not much reward.  Oftentimes you also get better service when you’re dealing one-on-one with the owner and not just an hourly manager who clocks out at 5.

Safer

    Local food is also typically safer than that which has been imported in. You know where it’s coming from and if there is ever an issue you can go directly to the source. Win-win situation!

Community Support

    Have you ever thought about where the money from a local business goes? It stays in the community! Where do you think it goes when you buy from the big box chains? Far, far and away is where.

I found this awesome image that describes it all WAY better than I can:

via

What are your thoughts on buying local?

Easy Peach Cobbler

What's a good Southern girl to do when she has a bunch of fresh peaches on her counter? Well, make peach cobbler of course! Here is a delicious (and ridiculously easy!) recipe I found to take full advantage of some fresh peaches:

Ingredients 

1/2 cup unsalted butter 

1 cup all-purpose flour 

2 cups sugar, divided  

1 tablespoon baking powder 

pinch of salt 

1 cup milk 

4 cups fresh peach slices 

1 tablespoon lemon juice 

ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions 

Preheat oven to 375.

Melt butter in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish

Combine flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Add milk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. 

Pour batter over butter (do not stir).

Bring remaining 1 cup sugar, peach slices, and lemon juice to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly

Pour over batter (do not stir). 

Sprinkle with cinnamon (optional)

Bake at 375 for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. 

Serve cobbler warm or cool.

Enjoy!

We decided it tastes best warm with a large dollop of vanilla ice cream:-)