"sisters" musical number from White Christmas the movie.

Guess Which Christmas Movie This Photo is From!

Phyllis Lifestyle 30 Comments

I am often asked what my favorite Christmas movie is, and I have one response that always rings true: White Christmas! White Christmas is the most wonderful movie, full of dreams, conflict, and the resolution of a beautiful Christmas. But the real moment of truth is the musical number “Sisters”! Oh my, those wonderful dresses and feather fans just make …

fruitcake

The Most Controversial Christmas Dessert: Fruitcake

Phyllis Lifestyle 21 Comments

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 …

Chocolate pie and trifle

Two Chocolate Desserts That Kids and Adults Will Love

Phyllis Lifestyle 8 Comments

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 …

The New Vietri Pattern + A Giveaway Grandmothers Will Love

Phyllis Giveaway, Lifestyle 14 Comments

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 …

Hostess Gifts for the Holidays!

Phyllis Inspiration, Lifestyle 5 Comments

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 …

5 Tips for the Perfect Pound Cake Every Time

Phyllis Lifestyle 10 Comments

Placing a freshly baked pound cake on the serving table is something I never tire of. Whether it’s a fancier caramel apple variation or the beloved classic with that delicious crumbly top, pound cakes inherently produce lots of oohs and aahs. This classic American dessert is renowned for being a simple yet elegant creation that feeds a crowd and pleases …

The Perfect Morning Tailgate Menu

Phyllis Lifestyle 3 Comments

Is anyone else on board with “tailgating from home?” With early kickoff times, many fellow football fans are opting set up a tailgate spread in the comfort of their own kitchen, and of course, inviting their friends and family to join! Don’t get me wrong, traditional tailgating is wonderful. But sometimes, the comfort of gathering in a home is a …

Why Monogramming Is Still My Go-To

Phyllis Lifestyle 15 Comments

I have blogged about monograms for a long time. I think with our Classic Sewing magazine and the machine embroidery monograms that we offer, beautiful monogram designs naturally catch my eye. Sunday before church started, this couple came in and introduced themselves, revealing that both of their first names started with Rs as well as their last name. Without thinking …