Sometimes I just need to read something to encourage me as a woman, mother, grandmother, and wife. One of my favorite books to read and re-read is Time Alive by Alexandra Stoddard. As you know she inspired the name of this blog because my dear friend always puts a ribbon in her books when she autographs them. Peeking out of …
I come from a long line of people who never throw anything away until we have exhausted all possible uses for something. There are probably three pairs of jeans in my closet that I am saving just in case I need to paint something. Not to mention the other jeans that are being saved in case I lose weight and …
Mother’s Day is tomorrow and I wish all of the mothers a very happy day spent with those you love. I am so blessed to have my mother still with us. Last year on Mother’s Day, I wrote about the fun times that my children and I had growing up with her. For these memories I will be forever grateful. Mother’s …
I wanted to share with you this beautiful farmhouse that is featured in our latest Southern Lady Classics issue, Southern Style. I hope it will inspire you to pursue a home full of life and style! And if you’re a fan of the Southern Lady Classics collection, you’re in luck. Southern Lady is now offering a subscription to the six special collector’s issues produced each year. …
With the advent of modern day home sewing and embroidery machines, you can create your own linen collection by purchasing monogram designs and embroidering your own linens. For the sewist today, monogram designs can be downloaded to an embroidery sewing machine, and very quickly a set of beautiful linens can be created. Here are some “tips” for creating your own: …
As a publisher of several food-focused titles, I’ve long been fascinated by the history of tableware, particularly when it serves a hyper-specific purpose. Proprietor of the New Orleans French Quarters’ Lucullus and Louisiana Cookin’ contributor, Patrick Dunne, delights us month after month with his musings on culinary antiques. His latest article on asparagus was no exception. I hope you’ll enjoy …
When Neal and I visited Biltmore House recently, we saw letters and notes the Vanderbilts had written years ago when the “house was in mourning.” We found these intriguing—each note or letter was written on black-banded stationery. I commented about that, and the curator pointed out that during a time of mourning, not only did the family dress in black, …
This elegant water lily napkin fold is perfect for a ladies’ luncheon, bridal brunch, or other gathering. It might look complicated at first glance, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to create! Lay flat a square napkin, and fold each corner to meet at the center, pressing folds as you work to create a square. Flip …
The second issue of Classic Sewing has been released to subscribers and sewing shops. You know I just love antiques and vintage collectibles, and I wanted to share with you the dress I made for my granddaughter, which is featured in this issue. I have a wonderful collection of vintage reproduction handkerchiefs that Lori Taylor of Dallas gave me when …
I confess I love writing with a fountain pen. And April is letter-writing month. What could be more perfect? Letters, notes, pen, and ink are some of my favorite topics to write about. Did you know that we have a 2016 ink color? Each year Pelikan introduces a new fountain pen ink for a limited time. The Edelstein ink of the …
