I just love short weekend trips where we can get away, relax, and re-energize. Neal and I did just that and had the privilege of staying at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina, just a couple of weeks ago. I had been there many years ago when I spoke at a convention but had not been there just …
As most of you know, sponsoring charities is near and dear to the heart of our company and our family. When the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama and Paula Deen asked us to participate in Paula Deen’s Box Lunch to End Hunger, we jumped at the chance. Not only was the event a lot of fun, but we also …
A couple of weekends ago, Neal and I had the pleasure of visiting Blowing Rock, North Carolina. It is a beautiful town nestled on the mountains where strolling Main Street is a pleasure. As we walked along the sidewalks and peered into windows, we stumbled across a wonderful shop, “Bolick and Traditions Pottery.” North Carolina is a treasure trove for …
At Hoffman Media, we’re always coming up with new events and ways to interact with the community. So next Tuesday, September 23, in conjunction with the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association, we’re presenting a Louisiana Takeover, an evening where Birmingham diners will have the opportunity to experience the culinary trails of Louisiana. Seven chefs from Louisiana will be placed at restaurants, allowing …
We love the celebration of tea! And as I shared with you earlier this week, we have a fabulous new book, Tea and Sweets. To celebrate its release, we are giving away a basketful of wonderful tea items. Included in the basket: Pretty Pink Vine (48-ounce) porcelain teapot Lovely tea cozy made by one of our readers Silverplated tea strainer …
I met Martha Pullen more than 25 years ago when she was at the helm of Sew Beautiful magazine and the Martha Pullen Company. Martha is a dear friend, and this year she has written her second book on business, G. R. A. C. E. I was thrilled to receive my copy. I have always said, there is a book …
Last fall, my sweet children took us to Vermont to the Trapp Family Lodge for my birthday. I am a Sound of Music addict, so you can imagine my delight when they announced the plans. The views were breathtaking from the mountains, and there were pumpkins everywhere. My birthday dinner was at a lovely restaurant that was a converted farmhouse. …
One of the greatest online resources I love is FrenchGardenHouse. Lidy and I have become friends and colleagues when I found her online! She was my go-to when I was looking for antique silver, bistro dishes as a gift, and great garden items. I know you will enjoy reading her story and visiting her website. PLUS: she is giving away two …
The wonderful staff of Victoria magazine put together an easy guide for how to polish silver, so I thought I’d share: Silver has been prized as a precious metal for centuries. But it reached a new level of prominence during the Victorian era, when members of nobility enjoyed elaborate meals—sometimes with as many as ten courses. Each dish served required …
All you have to do is mention the words ‘Mitford series’ and readers everywhere will chime in with total praise for the genius writing of Jan Karon. I am happy to call Jan my friend. She was our Southern Lady of the Year in 2005. Barbara Cockerham, editor of Victoria, and I had the privilege of attending a beautiful all-white …
