Tomato and Corn Tart

Our Father’s Day Picnic

Phyllis Lifestyle 8 Comments

Fresh corn is one of the many perks that summer brings. The golden kernels are a juicy and sweet delight that I enjoy to this day. There isn’t much that’s better than farm fresh corn on the cob. As a child we used to help mom by shucking the corn for dinner. We’d huddle on the porch around a sheet …

Midafternoon Summer Tea

Midafternoon Summer Tea

Phyllis Lifestyle 23 Comments

It sure feels like summer time here, and when its particularly warm I can’t help but think of afternoon escapes. One of my favorite ways to escape is with a delightful cup of tea in the cool shade. This summertime tablescape perfectly embodies the dreamiest of summer afternoons. Touches of traditional seersucker and delicate eyelet are perfect embellishments for a …

Cake For A Memorial Day Crowd

Phyllis Lifestyle 18 Comments

This weekend is Memorial Day, and I imagine many of us will be headed to the beach or to the backyard for some quality time in the sun to kick off summer! It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring the family together. When planning for such an event its important, for your sanity and energy, to find easy recipes to satisfy …

easy personalized gift

Easy Personalized Gift For Any Occasion

Phyllis Lifestyle 3 Comments

I’m always looking for quick and easy ways to create a personalized gift. In the new summer issue of Classic Sewing Magazine, there is a fun appliqué project that is perfect for those occasions. Appliqués are a wonderful way to embellish anything from a cloth purse, to a cozy pillow, or even a plush blanket. In this Summer Fun project, …

Empty Nesters

Empty Nesters…Again – A Sister’s Tale

Phyllis Lifestyle 23 Comments

Well…I knew it was going to happen! We are empty nesters again! After four months of sharing our “nest,” our upstairs birds have flown the coop! Phyllis and Neal moved out and I have to say it’s bittersweet. It has been a rather interesting experience to share a space with my sister after forty-something years of living apart. There have …

Happy Mother’s Day!

Phyllis Lifestyle 12 Comments

We were planning a special issue of Louisiana Cookin’ and we thought of a beautiful way to honor our mothers—a Queen Cake!! My mom always made marvelous cakes when we were growing up. It was always a treat to smell the aroma coming from the kitchen. So in honor of our moms, we created a cake just for them. The …

Using Your Demitasse Set

Using Your Demitasse Set

Phyllis Lifestyle 23 Comments

I just adore demitasse cup and saucer sets. Their petite size brings back memories of tea parties as a child. The other day I was asked about these cups and the etiquette around them. Many know these cups as an espresso cup, which is also correct. Espresso and demitasse are very similar as both are brewed with a finely ground …

Toad in a Biscuit

Eggs in a Basket

Phyllis Lifestyle 13 Comments

We’re moving in! As Neal and I settle into our new home, my mind is flooded with all of the new memories I can expect to make here. Soon the rooms will be filled with laughter and joy as we entertain our friends and family. With a fresh place, we will make fresh new memories! I especially can’t wait to …

The History of Hosiery

The History of Hosiery

Phyllis Lifestyle 39 Comments

When Neal and I were packing up our old house to move, one of the most daunting rooms to pack was—no surprise—my closet. One clothing category I had in extreme excess was pantyhose and socks. As I was putting the hosiery into my little bags, I flashed back to the first time I wore stockings. I was going to my …

Still at Sister’s: Part 3

Still at Sister’s: Part 3

Phyllis Lifestyle 23 Comments

One more week ‘til the move. I have to tell you what happened to me last week. I was the only one home in the morning and I was getting ready to leave for the office. I came down from the upstairs (my perch) and realized that I didn’t eat any breakfast. Upstairs in our sitting room we have our …