Sweet Sweet Tea

This week we apparently celebrated National Iced Tea Day and National Seersucker Day. It seems we're on a roll with the fun southern holidays. I'm guessing National Fried Chicken Day isn't too far off.

If there's one thing I love, it's sweet tea. I've been known to sit on the porch and drink a whole gallon throughout a weekend. Whether you dress it up with a sprig of mint, a slice of lemon, or a splash of bourbon—it's delicious all day long.

True sweet tea is made with tea, sugar, and water. Don't let anyone tell you to add baking soda; that is a myth that is pointless and silly. If you want to brew your batch with local tea, use Charleston Tea Planation American Classic Tea from Wadmalaw Island. It's simply the best.

Porching

This past week we took a little vacation where we spent a lot of time on the front porch. Whether we were sitting in rocking chairs, the hammock, or the porch swing it was a great way to pass the day. We listened to good music, smelled the salt air and confederate jasmine, and grilled every afternoon. It got me thinking, why don't we have a better porch setup at our home? As I write this post, I'm sitting on the porch at home listening to my neighbor pickin' his guitar, while children are playing in the background.* Sounds like the perfect spot for a fancy porch swing, right? 

1. Whimsical Gardener Swing 2. Palmetto Bluff Swing 3. Better Homes & Gardens Swing

4. Lowe's Creative Ideas Porch Swing 5. Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Swing

I pulled together a some photos of porch swings to get new ideas for my outdoor living room. The Palmetto Bluff Swing, pictured here, is my favorite set-up. I love the natural look of the dark green wood. I would pair my swing with dark green rocking chairs, chocolate brown ticking stripe pillows, and bamboo shades like the Whimsical Gardener photo. That sounds like a good start!

My porch drink

Obviously, an important element to porching is having a good drink to sip on. Today I'm sipping sweet tea with mint, but I just came across a drink called Porch Swing Punch and had to share it. What are your must-have elements for a good day on the porch?

Porch Swing Punch

*My neighborhood is not always this lovely. He's actually a middle-aged guy who built a half-pipe in his back yard.

Savannah Bee

                                      

The sign says Tupelo Honey, and they weren't kidding. Savannah Bee Company opened their Charleston store this year and you can find everything from beauty products to specialty honeys made for cheese, grilling,  or sweet tea. Not only is the shop beautiful but it smells amazing. You are given the opportunity to sample every honey they offer. My favorite is the sourwood and it tastes great with granny smith apples and goat cheese. I can't wait to go back and shop!

Porch Parties

Inspired by the book Porch Parites I made a Spiked Arnold Palmer when I came home tonight. The recipe is hard to screw up, with equal parts sweet tea vodka and lemonade. It feels like home when you add a sprig of mint from your garden for garnish. What makes this the perfect southern summertime cocktail: the sweet tea, the lemonade or the mint?