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 …
It always makes my day when I open my mailbox to a handwritten letter from a friend. I have always loved writing and receiving notes and I intend to keep handwritten correspondence a priority in my life. With the speed of technology, it is becoming more and more rare to receive words written by hand. There is still a simple …
There’s nothing quite like the flavors of fall. As August heat hits its peak, I begin to look forward to cooler afternoons and all of the wonderful tastes and scents that come with them. This anticipation is no doubt familiar to many across the south and it’s the inspiration behind Editorial Director Brooke Bell’s newest book, Fall Baking. I sat down with Brooke …
I have always been a dreamer. It is such a blessing that so many of my dreams have come true. Being a wife, mother, grandmother, and doing what I love every day with Hoffman Media are all so much more than I deserve. There are other life experiences that I still daydream about, and I write them down in my …
There is a group of remarkable and unique women that have always fascinated me: the First Ladies. These women have a role unlike any other, and each one brings her own flair to the White House. American women look to them as examples and as leaders. Out of all these amazing women, the First Lady that has inspired me the …
This time of year gives a much-needed break from our traditional schedules and demands. Summer can certainly develop a hectic pace, but I try to savor each simple pleasure. Over the years I have spent many summer nights with family and friends enjoying popcorn, glass bottle Cokes, and some of my favorite movies. I can’t let school start back without …
Reading has always been one of my favorite pastimes. I have always been intrigued by stories with a simple, yet impactful storyline. This is one of the reasons why I will never outgrow children’s books. As a mother, I shared these stories with my twins, Eric and Brian. Now, as a grandmother, I find myself sharing them again with my …
My family and I have vacationed to many different places over the years. Some of our travels kept us close to home, while some led us farther away to new places. No matter the distance, the most rewarding part of vacations is time spent focused on family. As a child, my family traveled all throughout our home state of Alabama. …
There are many films that I can watch over and over, but none have captured my heart like The Sound of Music. It debuted when I was in fourth grade and is, by far, my favorite movie of all time. The beautiful music especially, always enthralls me. Several years ago I played the movie’s timeless “Bridal March” on the organ …
I find my thoughts drifting these days to a state of disbelief as I watch the news and the computer screen. In fact, I can hardly watch the news anymore. I want to say, “Stop the madness! Everyone breathe!” The best way for me to navigate these uncertain times is to focus on helping people around me. It is my hope …
