Christmas Tablescape - The Ribbon In My Journal

A Taste of Christmas

Phyllis Inspiration 11 Comments

It’s that wonderful time of year, where we warmly welcome family and friends with the glowing lights and fresh greenery of traditional Christmas decorations. If you are playing the role of host this Christmas, try coordinating dishes of different patterns to create a curated look instead of setting the table with a perfectly matching set. The mixture of patterns and …

Beat The Rush

Beat The Rush This Season

Phyllis Lifestyle 2 Comments

Christmas is coming, and it’s time to get a jump on your Christmas shopping! If you are like me, with a list that seems to only get longer, then I’m sure you could use all the help you can get. For this weekend only, when you shop with Hoffman Media you’ll receive complementary shipping on all orders with coupon code …

Baked Brie

Baked Brie with Cranberry-Apple Chutney

Phyllis Lifestyle 9 Comments

Now that we are quickly heading into the holiday season, I am full of joy with the anticipation of family coming together. Thanksgiving is a wonderful celebration of Southern cooking where many of our favorite foods come together on one delicious plate. The feast starts with coffee on the couch, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade and doesn’t end until …

Carrot Cake - The Ribbon in my Journal

My Favorite Skillet Carrot Cake Recipe

Phyllis Lifestyle 6 Comments

When I was a child, the thought having carrots in a cake was totally disgusting. In fact, I could hardly believe anyone would waste a good cake on carrots. I finally decided that I should try a bite and see why everyone was gobbling this cake up. Wow, what a flavorful experience! Perhaps the cream cheese icing just made the …

Dough or No Dough - Bake from Scratch Magazine

Do you eat raw Dough?

Phyllis Lifestyle 30 Comments

As I was watching some of our staff walk around in these weird t-shirts, I didn’t want to admit that I had no clue as to the meaning of their shirts! But anytime you see a hashtag or # (I call it a hash brown!) you have to act like you know what it means or act like you have …

Favorite Cake - The Ribbon In My Journal

My All -Time Favorite Cake

Phyllis Inspiration 23 Comments

My all-time favorite cake is white cake with white icing. I will choose this every time if I am given a choice and I will bake this when it’s my turn to make dessert. I do love many other flavors and never turn down a piece of cake, but white is always the best to me. I think it goes …

Tiny book of pies - Ribbon in my journal

Our New Tiny Book of Pies

Phyllis Lifestyle 3 Comments

I am very excited for this holiday season and for all of the wonderful work our talented staff has done to bring to life our newest book, The Tiny Book of Pies. It is part of our precious “Small Pleasures” series and is the perfect gift book for anyone who loves to eat pie, especially during the joyous holiday season! …

Variations on Pound Cake

Phyllis Lifestyle 25 Comments

Around my house, everyone’s favorite part of the meal is always dessert. I have always loved to bake with my family, and especially love teaching my grandchildren how to bake. A simple and delicious recipe that is perfect for baking with children is Miss Jo’s Whipping Cream Pound Cake. Miss Jo was a dear lady in my childhood church who …

Introducing the Tiny Book of Mason Jar Recipes!

Phyllis Inspiration 11 Comments

I am thrilled to show you the latest installment in our Small Pleasures book series. The Tiny Book of Mason Jar Recipes is perfect for your bookshelf or coffee table and is a darling look at the beloved Mason jar. I got to chat with the book’s editor, Cindy Smith Cooper, and I’m delighted to share our conversation so you …

American Girl by Williams-Sonoma Giveaway

Phyllis Giveaway 119 Comments

When my granddaughter was born, I immediately started collecting American Girl dolls for her. The first was Felicity, a doll that was being retired. Felicity’s story is based in Williamsburg and the her books teach a lot of American history. Then others followed! I adore American Girl as a company and brand. American Girl dolls are household items for families …