I had the privilege of speaking in Mobile, Alabama last week at the Signature Fundraiser of the Assistance League of Mobile. The theme was “Footsteps of a Southern Lady.” Carol Bishop and Elizabeth Harrison came to Birmingham several months ago when they were planning this event and we shared some fun ideas on decorating for ladies luncheons. Elizabeth chaired the …
Barbecue may not have been invented in the American South, but Southerners have certainly worked hard to perfect it. In Daniel Schumacher’s cookbook, Southern Barbecue & Grilling, you will find more than 125 recipes, including all of the fixin’s, desserts, and tools to get the job done. Whether charcoal, gas, or wood burning, fire up the grill, gather the family, and get ready …
Written by Beth Albright As a Southerner, I’ve always known that food and love are one and the same. My grandmothers both knew this secret and, as we do down South, passed that bit of magic down to future generations, the same as with our stories. Memories and shared recipes all get wrapped and tied with ribbon in faded, stained …
I had the immense honor of interviewing master teacher and star of the sewing world, Gail Doane not so long ago. She was in our Birmingham office to record her Classic Sewing exclusive videos when Gail and I sat down to talk. She shared about her sewing journey and answered questions about her favorite projects and designs. She even gave …
I had a delightful visitor in my office a few weeks ago, Beth Albright. She was so bubbly and wanted to write an essay for Christmas. I wanted to share her writings with you, as she is a published author. Her newest book is A Christmas Wedding In Dixie. Mistletoe Magic By Beth Albright Lord have mercy, honey! It’s not a good …
I hope you enjoy “Tales of Pumpkin Pie.” It reminded me of Christmas at my grandmother’s house! My cousins and I always referred to Mama Hill’s black bottom rolls as one of our favorites! You can read more of Beth Albright’s sassy southern tales in her books, her newest being A Christmas Wedding In Dixie. Tales of Pumpkin Pie By Beth …
I remember sitting enthralled in front of the television in July of 1981. My twins were three months old and, as I cared for them at home, I watched the royal wedding over and over. July 29, 1981, was the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, a wedding that was a truly global affair. I was just one of …
I have always enjoyed baking, especially when I am able to bake with my family. I loved teaching my sons, Eric and Brian, how to bake when they were young. Brian especially took an interest and before long, he wanted to try his hand at baking solo. My friend Barbara was coming over for dinner one evening and he wanted …
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 …
One of life’s simplest pleasures is cultivating our surroundings with the little things that inspire us. Many of us have our own collections of special items that we consider to be exquisite or rare, and certainly of great personal interest. I have a fondness for vintage sewing tools, which I’ve written about before. My son, Brian Hart Hoffman, has a broad and remarkable collection …
