1. Try everything twice. On one woman’s tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph: “Tried everything twice. Loved it both times!” 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. (Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!) 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever… …
hospitality
Apples Apples Apples
‘Tis the season for apple picking — and along with it comes the smell of cinnamon and spices. And don’t forget caramel with all types of sprinkles, nuts and chocolate bits. Apples , apples, apples. Remember learning that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. What is so special about this beautiful fruit ? . …
Pillow Wraps
Spring is officially here ! And it has put me in the mood to change the look of patio furniture. What better way than to update cushions and pillows. I have so many pillows and they are still in very good shape. This year I decided I would make Pillow Wraps to add to them . They add …
National Bittersweet Chocolate Day
Chocolate lovers, it is time once again to celebrate. January 10 is annually recognized as National Bittersweet Chocolate Day. Bittersweet chocolate is chocolate liquor to which sugar, cocoa butter and vanilla have been added. It does have less sugar and more liquor than semisweet chocolate. Unlike milk chocolate or white chocolate, it does not …
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
There is a feel of Autumn approaching. Fogs across the fields in the morning and leaves falling from the trees. Nights cool quickly and the warmth from the fire pit feels perfect. It’s never too early for cheesecake and this recipe is a hit with a cup of coffee sitting by the fire. And it …
Wine Bottle Tiki Lights
Summertime is approaching and the bugs are back. Living in Carolina, you are going to find yourself outside. Whether it is back acre, by the pool, playing corn hole in the yard or just relaxing at dusk on the deck, those pesky little skeetzers come around. I found the perfect way to reuse my wine bottles and deter …
Relaxed Dinner Party for Eight
It’s time for an Italian dinner party. I purchased some new wines for taste testing and I found on Pinterest the copycat recipe of Carrabba’s dipping oil. All that’s left is my son’s guaranteed-for-delicious spaghetti sauce recipe and add the finishing touches to the menu. I love dinner parties and will use any excuse for friends …
DIY Table Lights
I love this time of year and at the end of a day, I really don’t want to go inside. The weather is cool but still enjoyable. Watching the sunset and the sky changing colors gives me such a restful feeling. I love my tabletop fire pit. It adds just enough heat to keep me cozy. I found another great DIY outside project that takes only a hour to create and by night fall, I can enjoy the results with my tabletop fire pit.
It is inexpensive too. I bought Dollar Tree solar lights and flower pots . I already had the paints. Since I’m not crafty as an artist, I just pour a small amount of paint on the flower pots. Let them dry. Insert your lights and you are all set with perfect little table lights.

Now all I add is a glass of wine, toes up and watch the sunset.
Easter Dinner
Easter, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, is Christianity’s most important holiday. It has been called a moveable feast because it doesn’t fall on a set date every year, as most holidays do. Instead, Christian churches in the West celebrate Easter on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox …
Tabletop Fire Glass Pit
Spring is here! Spring Mornings in Carolina are beautiful. Waking up before the sun rises and you see the mellow moon casting its light through shades of pinks. As the sun shows it glow, for about an hour you can see the sun and moon . The moon fades away in white. And the sun …
Carolina Coleslaw
North Carolina is known for its barbeque. We love it so much we even have an app where to find the best bbq. And you can’t eat it alone. Carolina is known for its many different recipes of coleslaw. There is creamy slaw, Asian slaw, milk slaw, vinegar slaw. I have tried them all and …
Bunny Ear Napkins
It’s spring! Fresh flowers are the best and easiest accents for Easter. They make a table come alive. There are so many table linens and napkins in spring colors. It is hard to choose. Source: Joss and Main Source: Create Your Table Linens A favorite of mine is to make bunny ears with the linen napkins. They look so adorable …
1812 on the Perquimans
Perquimans County of North Carolina. Its Indian meaning is “ Land of the Beautiful Women.” It is nestled on the coast of North Carolina surrounded by the Albemarle Sound with Yeopim , Little River and Perquimans River snaking their way between the fingers of land. It has over 100 miles of shoreline. It is tranquil, …
Queen Sugar
Who doesn’t love a great Southern read ? Our Southern culture offers stories of tall tales to romantic spins and mysteries unsolved. If you’re from the South, the fictional characters of any southern book seem familiar . You either have an uncle, cousin or close family member that resembles the story being told. Stories of southern families resonates with you because you …
Transferware Florals
Transferware and flowers. I love the combination. Nothing speaks as elegant as redwedge and roses. Transferware has been used in Southern homes since the big plantations of 1800’s. It is a carry over from England. The transfer-printing technique, was developed in England in the eighteenth century .The process permits the application of a printed decoration, using copper plates …
Sunday Brunch Quiche
Brunch is good any day, but Sunday Brunch is special. A day of reflection and worship. A day of visiting family and friends. I look forward to Sunday Brunch, especially with the weather becoming springlike. I found a recipe recently that I rate excellent. It is a recipe from Southern Living and it is not only …
Beautiful Bulbs for Spring
The purple-leaf shamrock is a low-growing foliage plant for the garden that also makes an attractive indoor plant with its rich, vibrant, purple leaves. The dark colors blend well and accent the colors of spring flowers. The touch of dark lavender among the bright yellows and whites and blues make a soft contrast in spring …
It’s National Gum Drop Day !
It’s National Gum Drop Day ! If the Valentine chocolates weren’t enough for celebration and indulgence, how about a box of gumdrops. February 15 is National Gum Drop Day. When and where this celebration originated is in question, but I’m so glad the gumdrop deserves it day on the celebration calendar. Gum Drops were used …
Just Because it’s Valentines Day
Last minute goodies for the children. Floral arrangements completed, Valentine cards in the mail, chocolate covered strawberries done. I still have a few gifts to finish. This idea is so easy and best of all, you are not in the kitchen. I found it at Design Mom . I created the tags in silhouette and use print …
The Pretty Pineapple
I recently visited a doctor to discuss some minor surgery. We set the date and she gave me a packet of instructions in a glossy folder to take home for reference in how to prepare for my upcoming surgery. Starting 2 weeks before surgery were several things. Number one was to take a multivitamin daily. …




















