This past weekend, I went to Atlanta to the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo. Our company bought this event company last fall, and this was the first event of the year. I was thrilled to attend! I sat down in the lobby to take a break, and a wonderful lady named Linda Hudson came over and asked if she could …
Classic Cottages is a book that inspires me all over again every time I open it. Flipping through, I seem to fold down the corner of a different page than the last time—does anyone else do this? Anyway, be it a corner shelf with collected treasures, a simple floral arrangement, or a flourishing garden, I always discover something beautiful that …
This past weekend, our state of Alabama was hit by ferocious tornados. There are 23 fatalities as of this writing. Our hearts are broken for the families that lost loved ones and for people who survived but lost everything they have. For some families it’s both. You can’t dry tears and say anything that can help ease their pain. You …
Today is National Pound Cake Day! Well, at my house, it is every day! That is Neal’s absolute favorite cake—especially hot out of the oven. I had a sweet older lady make a “real pound cake” for me (as she called it), and she said her method was the only way to make a true pound cake. Trust me, it …
The first official day of spring is not until March 20, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start getting ready! This year, I have found myself more excited than ever to change seasons. Fresh flowers, light and bright recipes, and plenty of color are all ways I try to embrace the arrival of springtime. And not to mention, who doesn’t …
It is often the simplest of gestures that let people know you care. Hospitality trays might sound elevated and fancy, but the truth is, they could not be any easier to put together! Create this special experience for your guests just one time, and you’ll never turn back after seeing how surprised and delighted they are. Having one of these trays …
Layer cakes are absolutely essential to Southern culture. It is completely acceptable and quite common, actually, for more than one layer cake to appear on dessert tables at holiday gatherings, baby showers, church suppers…you get the idea! One of the more discrete Southern classics is the distinctive Lane Cake. Also referred to as Prize Cake or Alabama Lane Cake, this …
I absolutely love when people use their creative talents to elevate something so simple. Many of you requested more posts about female artists, so this is a story from Victoria magazine that I am thrilled to share with you today! Donna Stevens’s dazzling range of ribbons has been bringing touches of glamour to home décor since 2008, when, along with …
The sea, for so many of us, represents tranquility and peace. For others, it is a wonderful color palette that inspires beautiful design work. Such is the case for Tracey Rapisardi, and we were absolutely thrilled to publish her new book, Simply by the Sea. Tracey grew up in New England, meaning the coastline and the ocean were influential in …
I was privileged to speak at The Southern Coterie gathering last week in Sea Island, Georgia—The Southern C for short! It is an annual conference where hundreds of entrepreneurs gather and share ideas, advice, and experiences. My goodness, there were mostly young people there, and I felt rather “mature!” My son Brian and I were the keynote speakers, together on …
