OK, let’s talk about the one thing that gets the most criticism during the holidays—fruitcake! Just the mention of it makes some people crazy, and others hear it and can’t wait! And I just wonder how many recipes are out there for this trivial treat. My most favorite fruitcake of all is an Icebox Fruitcake my Grandmother Norton made …
I was sitting in the waiting room at my doctor’s office, and a lady came over and handed me a little white crocheted angel. She said, “I wanted to make sure you received one of my angels.” I took the delicate ornament in my hand and looked around the room at other patients admiring her work. She returned to her …
We have all anticipated this day for an entire year. It is the official beginning of the oh-so-magical holiday season! Thanksgiving is a time of reflecting on our blessings and being grateful for what we have been given. However, the truth is that we should do this every day. It is easy to race through life without pondering what a …
Let me know if you can relate to this: It is just so much fun to give a gift that is perfectly tailored to the recipient! Wrapping a present with the assurance that your friend or family member will love what they open never loses its thrill. From choosing wrapping paper to the actual opening of the gift, it’s all …
I am excited to finally announce the winner of the Santa Doll and The Magic of Old Saint Nick: The Adventure Begins book by Vietri founder Susan Gravely! Congratulations to Gayle Cooper! I truly hope that this gift brings you and your loved ones joy this Christmas season. This book is not only wonderful for reading to children but also …
When planning a holiday menu at my house, it is important that I have plenty of kid-friendly dishes. Especially in the dessert area. And what child doesn’t just love chocolate? Actually, what adult doesn’t love chocolate? Simply put, chocolate is a crowd-pleaser. Time and time again I’ve seen rows of nut-studded pies, spiced cakes or cookies, and cheesecakes galore. But …
I had the privilege of speaking at Bromberg’s store last week for a Vietri holiday event. As the women and men came in and took their places, I asked the question, “How many of you collect china or dishes?” Every hand went up in the room. Now, why should I be surprised? You know I love beautiful tableware and have …
We all kick into hyperdrive during the holidays. There are triple the errands, triple the meals, and triple the “projects,” as we call them in the South. Yet, we just miraculously keep going! Any other time of year, this number of to-dos would seem nearly impossible. In fact, we probably wouldn’t even attempt the insanity. But in these couple of …
When I was a child, I loved Halloween because we got to dress up and be something we normally were not. As soon as the sun set, we started our trip around the block. Mom and Dad lived in a subdivision that made a complete loop like a racetrack. So going around the block was our appointed path! One of …
We have been Christmas-ing for the past few months at Hoffman Media, and I just love this time of year. I get so excited when the holiday photography begins, and I start smelling aromas of the best holiday dishes coming from the test kitchen. It won’t be long until festive music will be playing everywhere! There are numerous new issues …
