Autumn and the Things That Matter Most

Phyllis Inspiration, Lifestyle 18 Comments

November has arrived with all the beauty of an autumn season. We usually don’t get the gorgeous leaves until November here in Alabama. Some of you have had them for weeks in your area of the country. And some of you don’t have any at all…beach friends! But this season is always special. Thanksgiving was always a special time for …

It’s Pumpkin Spice Season

Phyllis Lifestyle 28 Comments

Everyone that knows me understands that pumpkin spice season is sacred. I have already had a latte, cookies, and a cheesecake slice of pumpkin spice. I just love spice anything, really. This past weekend, one of my dearest friends presented me with a pillow that says, “Pumpkin Spice Season!” She is the same one who gave me my pumpkin spice …

fall brunch

September Happenings

Phyllis Inspiration 8 Comments

Well, finally September is here, and I can officially put out all my harvest and pumpkin items. The thrill of autumn never gets old. I can just look at a pumpkin and smell the cinnamon and nutmeg that permeates when I bake a pumpkin pie! The leaves are beginning to turn here in Alabama, and for that, I am grateful. …

pecans

Memories of Pecan Picking

Phyllis Lifestyle 25 Comments

As August winds down, our wonderful fresh veggies and stone fruits are gradually going away here in the South. Oh, how we will miss them! As harvest season approaches for apples, pears, and pecans, I am already planning my fall recipes. My grandparents were farmers, and every fall we prepared ourselves for the “picking up” pecan season. I always thought …

Table Setting

Etiquette Q&A: Table Setting Tips from Southern Lady

Phyllis Lifestyle 11 Comments

With Thanksgiving next week, I wanted to share some table setting tips to help you prepare for the holidays. I wear many hats and am always involved in many projects. As editor-in-chief of Southern Lady magazine, I enjoy hearing readers’ questions and responding with solutions and tips. Getting everything ready for Turkey Day can sometimes be daunting, but these table setting …

Thanksgiving

Give Thanks and Make Delicious Thanksgiving Dishes!

Phyllis Lifestyle 15 Comments

When we were kids, going to our grandparents’ house was the Thanksgiving tradition that we loved. It was always fun to catch up on the latest boyfriends, school news, and plans for the future. We had three boy cousins and seven girl cousins. The guys would get away from us as quickly as possible to toss the football or talk …

Pecan Praline Rounds

Peee-can or Pe-cahn?

Phyllis Lifestyle 16 Comments

The age-old Southern debate continues! I have always said pe-cahn. That’s the way my family pronounces it and has pronounced it for generations. So I think I am right! When we started publishing Cooking with Paula Deen, Paula told me that her family pronounces it correctly, just like other families do in Georgia: peee-can. Which is it for you? Actually, …

Halloween Candy

Trick or Treat: Fun Halloween Candy Facts

Phyllis Lifestyle 12 Comments

Happy Halloween! Quite possibly the best thing about this holiday is all the candy! Reese’s, Snickers, Twix, Kit Kat—did you guys know they make white chocolate Kit Kats? Man, they sure are good. There are so many types of candy to choose from but my favorite by far is a Heath Bar. The toffee flavor is my favorite in the …