Friday Find: Mouthwatering Desktop Calendars

Mmmm...

hungry yet?

what about now? 

oh yes.

Download your desktop background from Some Kitchen Stories.

Running on Empty

Photo courtesy of Carlos Nunez

Truth be told, as much as I absolutely love my new life on the Emerald Coast, I've been running low on energy these past few weeks.  

Picture ending one ahh-mazing job, then driving 14 hours the very next day, which included two hours of torrential downpours near a city that isn't above sea level to begin with (ahem, New Orleans).  Oh sure I took a few days to settle into my new home... although most of those hours were spent celebrating cheers!, basking in the sun and eating fresh oysters. The cherry on top? Starting my new equally wonderful job just days later, and hitting the ground running.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy as a clam...and tired as a dog.  But no worries my friends, I've found the cure! And the answer is not Red Bull or Lean Cuisine microwave dinners.

How to make it through the day without a siesta:

I mean really...when will the Siesta be implemented in the United States? I'm totally game to start a petition. Who's with me?

Start every day with the perfect iced coffee and a toasted whole wheat english muffin. Sub in greek yogurt with slivered almonds, blueberries and agave nectar when craving something sweet.

Photo & recipe courtesy of the Pioneer Woman

Snack on something sweet and satisfying mid-morning to tide me over until lunch.

Eat a massive power salad to get me through the afternoon (the key components for my version are spinach, avocado, rotisserie chicken and a tangy vinaigrette).

Photo & recipe courtesy of Recipe Girl

Then take this precious puppy on a post workday stroll to clear my head and unwind.

Can you get enough of that face? Those ears? Completely and utterly adorable.

Summer Favorite

{photo credit to Gentyl & Hyers at Cooking Light}

One of the things I love most about summer besides EVERYTHING! is the abundance of inexpensive and flavorful produce; namely watermelon.  

Because this tasty fruit (among many others) flourishes in warm weather, it's the perfect excuse to consume massive amounts of locally grown produce.  To explain further, I'm truly just not one for self control - I'm an all dip and no chip kinda gal - so having all of these super healthy and delicious seasonal offerings at my disposal is this southern girl's dream come true... 

What I'm craving now:

Watermelon Slushie

{photo credit to Krysta's Life in Food, recipe here}

Riddle me this: what could possibly be more refreshing than a watermelon slushie?

{photo credit to Monica B Hide, recipe here}

To keep it simple, mix one part frozen watermelon (seedless & cubed) and one part coconut water. Pop it in the blender on the highest setting until the mixture is completely smooth.

{photo credit to Kimberly Snyder, recipe here}

To get fancy, add... 

mint or basil

a tablespoon of agave nectar or honey

a splash of lime juice

a banana or any kind of berries

maybe even a shot of rum if you're feeling a little crazy

{photo credit to Raw Food Recipes, recipe here}

And now I give you 5 reasons to drink (or eat) up: just incase you still need a reason or two...

watermelon provides healthy amounts of virtually all essential vitamins and minerals 

just 1 wedge of watermelon provides over 30% of your daily Vitamin A & C requirement

it's a powerful ally against many types of cancer, because it contains lycopene

it tastes wonderful

it's very pretty

Any questions?

Happy Anniversary!

To me? Why thank you.

The inaugural year of this blog has been nothing short of lovely.  I've tasted all (most) of what Austin has to offer, learned to love vegetables as a main dish and not just a side, and dabbled in cooking with the best of Texas produce. 

My One Green Table Greatest Hits List:

Year One

Constant Gardeners where it all began

Tomato Sandies so simple, yet completely wonderful 

Keen-Wah picture perfect

Simply The Best Ode to my BFF

Cajun Time dreaming of that NOLA flavor

Fancy 4th of July we fancy y'all 

My promise to you for year two:

Plenty of photos from these white sandy beaches

A taste of Florida's finest produce (and a few other worthwhile purchases)

Hopefully many, many meals with a view like this

And oh so much more...

Green with Envy

Just a few of my favorite {green} things

Key Lime Pie from the browneyed baker

I <3 succulents.

Avocado - because it complements everything, and for its health benefits

The color itself, and all its glorious shades.

GREENS! Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens, Collard Greens, Chard, Kale...

C'est très chic