Tracey Holton-Garrett of Van Atkins Jewelers in Mississippi taught us how to care for pearls, gave us valuable information on what to look for when picking out diamonds, and now she’s passing on her knowledge regarding the art of redesigning antiques. So many women inherit beautiful family pieces that maybe look a little dated, and Tracey creatively updates vintage brooches and …
Many of your responded with great fondness to the Visit with Jan Karon. Jan is sending autographed books of Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good to be given away to two lucky winners. She is a wonderful writer, and I know you would love to be the recipient of one of these books. To enter, share this post via one of …
It is always amazing to meet people that are support staff to celebrities. One of my favorite people in the world is Brandon Branch, assistant to Paula Deen. I first met Brandon when we went to Savannah to do photography for the first issue of Cooking with Paula Deen magazine. The premiere issue was a Christmas theme, and the decorations …
Last week, I introduced you to Tracey Holton-Garrett of Van Atkins Jewelers in Mississippi. She removed some of the mystique in caring for pearls, and I’m so glad you enjoyed her tips. This next video is all about caring for a girl’s best friend: diamonds. Not only does she give advice on cleaning large stones, but she also chats about …
I sat spellbound last week watching this master floral arranger put together stunning creations from flowers cut fresh from a garden right here in Birmingham. Englishman Shane Connolly, author of “A Year in Flowers,” was in town for the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Secretly, I wanted to hear him speak and see his creations because he is the floral designer to …
As many of you know, I love sewing for my granddaughter, Amelia, and have shared with you some of her dresses that I have made for various occasions. Now that she is 4, she loves the bright fabrics that are so wonderful today. Several months ago I shared with you the story of Riley Blake Fabrics, and just a few …
Just about every one of us has pearls that we wear with great pride or that women in our families wear that will be passed down. Pearls have traditionally been given at graduation or for a bride on her wedding day. Caring for pearls is something that I was keenly interested in learning to do, so I consulted with Tracey …
My assistant, Lynn Terry, came in this morning and told me her 85-year-old mother was abandoning her family tried-and-true pecan pie recipe for the one that is on the cover of the new issue of Taste of the South. Since we are beginning to see the leaves change here, our minds are turning to pecan, apple, and pumpkin pies. I …
Victoria Magazine’s entrepreneur section is a treasure trove of fabulous ladies with immense talent. Vintage Milliner Barbara Troeller is one of them, and I wanted to share her story with you today. A shimmering assemblage of tools, trims, and ephemera provides a veritable playground for preservationist Barbara Troeller. Amidst an extraordinary collection of couture treasures, timeworn hatboxes spill over with …
I love sharing party ideas with you because we all are looking for great ideas when planning birthday parties for our little ones—whether grandchildren or children. My daughter-in-law, Katie, planned an art theme this year for Amelia’s birthday party. The invitations were adorable and set the tone for a creative afternoon. Her foods were very innovative, and I loved the presentation. …
