As you know, one of the most wonderful days of my life was when I met Paula Deen. For the past 10 years our friendship has blossomed, and our joint-venture, Cooking with Paula Deen, now reaches over three million readers across the country. If you haven’t already, watch the first installment of this intimate chat in our three-part video series. …
Exclusive One-on-One Video Interview with Paula Deen – Part 1
One of the most wonderful days of my life was when I met Paula Deen. She had been writing for our Taste of the South magazine, and I watched her show religiously, but meeting her in person changed my life and the life of our company. Paula was our 2004 Southern Lady of the Year for our magazine, Southern Lady. …
Acre Restaurant: A Favorite Auburn Spot
Neal and I love to visit our Morgan in Auburn and take her out to eat as a treat for all of us. I kept searching for someplace wonderful and finally found out about Acre. Acre—what an unusual name for a restaurant. I just knew there was a great story behind this place. I called and made reservations and was …
Calling All Artisans and the Perfect Lace Cookie
When our team returned home from Victoria, Canada, after hosting An Occasion for Tea, they brought me a little surprise gift from Ivana Smulik. When I opened the cellophane wrapping, I found the most intricate cookie I have ever seen. I contacted Ivana asking if I could share this work of art on The Ribbon In My Journal. She graciously …
Father’s Day Memories
Father’s Day is always a big deal in our family. My dad is 85 years old, and he is still going strong and enjoying life. Growing up, Father’s Day meant making his favorite dishes and dessert. He loves a good cherry pie, but it was only several years ago he confessed that it is his favorite. Mom always made the …
How Love Changes Lives: Raising a Princess
My friend John Croyle is the founder of the Big Oak Ranch. Rising to recognition as an All-American defensive end at the University of Alabama during head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s tenure, John had to decide whether to play professional football or to start a children’s home. In August 2014, John and Tee Croyle will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the …
Say Hello to fresh style’s Newest Contributing Editor, Annie Sloan
There are people in your life that you have always hoped you would get to meet, and it is a beautiful thing when your paths actually cross. I got to meet one of my dream ladies: Annie Sloan! Annie Sloan, who developed the decorative paint Chalk Paint® over 20 years ago, is one of the most creative women I know. …
An Ode to Miss Jo and Her Whipping Cream Pound Cake
There are certain fragrances we encounter that can trigger an emotion or a memory. I remember how wonderful my grandmother smelled when she was slathered in Jenkins lotion. There is just nothing that matches that fragrance. Baby lotion does the same thing for me—oh that wonderful pink Johnson & Johnson baby lotion and powder. Evergreen fragrance reminds me of the …
A Visit With Tina, The Enchanted Home
It is a joy to introduce you to Tina from The Enchanted Home blog. She has become a great online friend of mine, and we share a love of blue & white. She is no stranger to blogging, and she captured our hearts when she shared the building of her home from the beginning through completion. It is a masterpiece. …
Our Budding Ballerina: The Joy of Little Girls
When our granddaughter Amelia was born, my life took on a whole new meaning. My babies were twin boys, and my first grandchild was a boy. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my boys more than life. I have laughed and said that I am a great boy mom. And when Hays was born, we just carried on the …