Phyllis Hoffman DePiano Kitchen

My Kitchen: The Heart of the Home

Phyllis Lifestyle 54 Comments

My kitchen is my happy place. When Neal and I designed our home, we wanted the kitchen to be open to the family room because our family and friends always want to gather in the kitchen.  My cooktop faces the family room so I can enjoy conversations and hear the latest news when we have company. It’s great because I …

Enjoying the Moment

Enjoying the Moment

Phyllis Lifestyle 28 Comments

I said to a friend of mine several years ago, “You are so busy planning the future that you are missing today!” I wish I could recall the circumstances of that conversation, but I vividly remember that comment. As I was writing this I just got a call from my grandson. Everything stops when his name pops up on my …

20 Years of Southern Lady

20 Years of Southern Lady Magazine

Phyllis Lifestyle 20 Comments

“She moves fast and forward in the modern world while holding tightly to the culture of the South that flows within her. She remembers her roots, treasures her traditions, and cherishes her family and friends…Who is she? She is a Southern lady—the one for whom this magazine is named. You. And me.” Those were the words I wrote some 20 …

Pitcher

Learning to Say No

Phyllis Lifestyle 55 Comments

One of the things I’m working on is saying “no,” when there is something I really don’t want to do but feel pressured or urged to do by a friend or colleague. I usually like to please people, and I find myself being obligated to do things I wish I had said no to. You get to where you are …

Little Flowers

It’s the Little Things

Phyllis Lifestyle 39 Comments

Thank you for your response to our post last week about letting go. I always love a new year because it gives us the opportunity to take an inward look at ourselves and think about how we spend our time. I think as I grow older, I realize more and more the little things in life are the things that …

Resolutions

A Look at the History of New Year’s Resolutions

Phyllis Lifestyle 5 Comments

Overflowing with laughter and good company, Christmas and New Year’s gives us all time to make wonderful memories with those closest to us. I hope you had delightful moments with your family and friends during the holiday season. In 2018, I hope to continue sharing beautiful moments with you all. A year’s close brings reflection, excitement, and hope for what’s to …

New Year

Get Ready for a New Year!

Phyllis Lifestyle 19 Comments

Can you believe that in a few days another New Year will be here? 2018. Oh, my goodness, I can hardly believe it! This year is going to be a good one. We will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Southern Lady magazine. It is hard for me to believe it has been 20 years. More news to come on …

Christmas Memories

Christmas Is Almost Here!

Phyllis Lifestyle 16 Comments

I love watching children at Christmas. I adore the sticky faces and fingers from a zealous candy cane eater and the colored icing that always manages to appear on each child’s outfit during cookie decorating and the fun holiday get-togethers this time of year brings. One of the season’s highlights for us as children was Christmas tree shopping. In our …