In Search of Solitude

In Search of Solitude

Phyllis Lifestyle 39 Comments

Solitude is an intriguing word. It is defined as “the state or situation of being alone;” not being lonely, but being alone. Solitude to me is a peaceful word, and brings to mind a state of calm and serenity. There are times in my day when I need quiet. I don’t want to hear the radio, the chatter of crowds, …

My Favorite Easter Memories

My Favorite Easter Memories

Phyllis Lifestyle 20 Comments

I have many fond memories of Easter Sundays as a little girl. I loved my smocked Easter dresses, bouquets of fresh flowers, and singing my favorite hymns at church. My favorite Easter tradition was dying Easter eggs. My sister, Janice, and I always loved picking out the most beautiful color combinations and elegant designs for our eggs. Now, dying Easter eggs is …

The History Of Purses

Phyllis Lifestyle 35 Comments

I promised myself when I was growing up, that I would never “dig in my purse” as I had watched my grandmother do repeatedly when looking for the house key after a day out with me. I have never seen a purse so deep and cavernous as the ones she would carry, except perhaps in Mary Poppins. It had everything …

Reuben Strudels for St. Patrick’s Day

Reuben Strudels for St. Patrick’s Day

Phyllis Lifestyle 8 Comments

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day; this holiday always seems to sneak up on me. I’m not a huge fan of St. Patrick’s Day for two reasons: I always forget to wear green, and then I’m always being pinched because of that mistake. So, when the day comes, I get out of my car only to see the long succession of …

Spring in New Orleans Plantation Country

Spring in New Orleans Plantation Country

Phyllis Lifestyle 8 Comments

Spring in the south is just so beautiful, bedecked with a rainbow of blooms and a light breeze. It’s the perfect time of year, in my opinion, to stroll the estates and gardens of the New Orleans Plantation Country. Along the winding River Road between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, this unforgettable sight offers a unique look into the past. …

Deviled Eggs: A Southern Staple - Cooking with Paula Deen

Deviled Eggs: A Southern Staple

Phyllis Lifestyle 40 Comments

There’s nothing quite like a Sunday in the South. Some of my favorite memories from childhood Sundays are covered-dish lunches at my grandmother’s house. Our table would be covered with a variety of delicious recipes, each in its own colorful dish. I remember as a little girl being especially intrigued by the deviled egg plates. These plates have always caught …

The Glamor of Gloves on Easter

The Glamour of Gloves on Easter

Phyllis Lifestyle 33 Comments

As we start moving toward Easter, I reminisce about those special days from my childhood. The Easter season and Easter Sunday has always been important to me and my family. Some of my favorite childhood memories were at Eastertime. Mom always made my dress and my sister’s dress. Careful planning went into the entire outfit, not just the dress. Now, …

Traditional Galette Des Rois - Bake from Scratch

Traditional Galette Des Rois

Phyllis Lifestyle 9 Comments

I must confess that I had never heard of a galette des rois until Daniel Schumacher, editor of Louisiana Cooking, arrived with one at my office. When I opened that bakery box and saw the puff pastry, I knew this was going to be good. And it wasn’t just good, it was amazing. The cream cheese filing just put the …

Turn About is Fair Play - The Ribbon In My Journal

Turn About is Fair Play

Phyllis Lifestyle 26 Comments

Well, I see my dear Sister took over the blog while I was out of town. And so many of you loved her responses! I thought it was great. When she picked us up at the airport, we went by to see the progress on the house. Wow! The talented workmen had really accomplished a lot while we were gone. …

The Permanent Wave

The Permanent Wave

Phyllis Lifestyle 30 Comments

The other day, I was at my hairdresser when I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. I saw a home permanent kit and was immediately transported back to my childhood days when my sister and I sported matching curls. I’m sure many of you remember spending hours at the mercy of your mother’s Toni home permanent kit. Almost more …