I hope your 2020 has started off with great joy and happiness. We have all made our New Year’s resolutions I am sure, but mine have changed during the years. Oh, yes—I have started 45 diets and resolved to get organized in my sewing room, but as years have passed, my resolutions have changed. During the Christmas season, my son …
The Ultimate Holiday Hostess Gift Giveaway
The holiday season is the perfect time to give artfully crafted goods from esteemed merchants offering a wide variety of products. And that’s exactly what each elegant item from our wonderful partners promises. From a botanically infused skin care line and beautifully gilded jewelry to gorgeous ceramic glassware and heavenly scented candles, this bundle has an array of generous offerings. We’re inviting …
Treasured Thanksgiving Memories
Thanksgiving week has always been a favorite of mine. When I was a schoolgirl many, many years ago, I remember with great fondness the pine cone turkeys we would all make. This signified that a wonderful season was ahead. Then the Pilgrim hats would be made next, and the Thanksgiving season was officially underway. We rode to our grandparents’ homes …
Honoring Our Veterans
I love this time of year when the cool weather is here, and we tend to be outside more often. The leaves are gorgeous, and the colors are so vivid. Along one of the main streets are rows of flags in honor of Veterans Day. My dad was a Navy veteran, and since his death, we have revisited the memories …
Lori Allen: TLC Star, Breast Cancer Survivor & Our Southern Lady of the Year
We had the privilege of presenting the Southern Lady of the Year award to Lori Allen of Bridals by Lori. At our Celebration Weekend, Lori shared her story of how she built her business into the premier bridal shop in Atlanta, Georgia. And she is also the star of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. She then talked about …
Taking Tea With My Granddaughter
Monday was my granddaughter’s ninth birthday, and I was thrilled when she wanted to go to afternoon tea to mark the occasion. Last weekend, Neal and I went to New Orleans to start her celebration. She had selected the Le Salon at Windsor Court Hotel as our tea destination. We published a book, Taking Tea, and one of the featured …
It’s Pumpkin Spice Season
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 …
Planting Seeds and Harvesting
This time of year, when all the pumpkins and fall vegetables are showing up at local farmers’ markets, I just marvel at the beauty of the season. It’s interesting to think that months ago, farmers were out in the gardens and fields planting seeds, hoping and praying that the harvest would be plentiful. Planting seeds requires preparation, planting, praying for …
Waiting Graciously
For those of you who know me, you know I hate to wait. Now I can hear you saying, “Everyone has to wait,” and this is very true; but I like to keep moving! I found myself watching the microwave tick down and thought, “Please hurry up”—a microwave that cooks in record time wasn’t going fast enough. Really? Now that’s …
Bake a Cake and Celebrate Life!
As you know, our company publishes Bake from Scratch, a magazine and book series for people who are passionate about baking. I mean … passionate! I have rediscovered my desire to bake more and learn new techniques. It is a far cry from the way I baked growing up. But I have to tell you that cooks like me love …