This past week has been one of great emotion. I watched the devastation across our country just as you did. Hurricanes, horrible fires in Montana, and many other tragedies happened that break our hearts. Then throw in the 9/11 anniversary. My emotions have been on edge. What do we say, what do we do, and how can we make a …
Being married to a career fireman is an eye-opening experience. Things you never think about on a daily basis are things he and all firefighters handle every day. Neal is a battalion chief and has spent his entire career in the fire service. He said the most profound statement one day when we were talking about how emergencies are handled: “We …
When we were building our house, Neal and I designed the master bathroom to be the calming escape that I’d retreat to at the end of the day. Many of you always ask about where things come from, so here is the guide to creating a peaceful master bathroom like mine. I like knowing where I can find things when …
We all know the dainty fork perched on the side of relish trays during holiday meals or family get-togethers. But where did this pickle fork come from? In the South, it doesn’t matter if there’s a holiday or not, we love our home-cooked meals. Anytime company comes, you should just go ahead and expect a kitchen full of dishes and …
Starting your own company or business is hard work, and if you know me, then you know that watching an idea bloom and grow into success is near and dear to my heart. I know firsthand how challenging it is to run a business, but at the same time, it’s so rewarding! I met Mary Brennan Reich when she was …
Styling a home is always a fun experience. Choosing furniture and pieces that complement each other takes time and careful selection, but boy, when it’s all said and done, you have the most beautiful place to call home. Everyone has a slightly different interior design style, and ultimately, whatever look you choose, you want to feel comfortable, because, of course, …
Oh, I could write pages about this subject! When my siblings and I were kids, Mom and Dad would take us to Friday night football games, and if Dad had tickets to the Alabama game, we’d go again on Saturday. I asked him why he took us to the game, and he said with a smile, “It was cheaper than …
“Come one, come all, y’all!” as my good friend Paula Deen would say. Gathering around the dinner table for home-cooked family meals is one of the best things about our Southern lifestyle, and she shows us once again how to do it deliciously in her latest cookbook, At the Southern Table with Paula Deen, which will be available for early release …
For me, Labor Day signals the start of fall. Now I know the official date for the first day of fall is not Labor Day, but here in the South, Labor Day has always been the day all things change. Yes, I am talking real change. First of all, no self-respecting Southern girl would ever wear her white shoes after …
Many of you have been so gracious to write and ask about the move into our new home (aka life apart from Sister!), which began in May. We are still unpacking strange boxes of unknown contents. So, it’s like a really interesting Christmas present from a distant relative. One of my favorite things about our new home is my garden. …
