It’s Friday, in the middle of July, so I don’t think it’s a stretch to assume you have some type of social gathering planned for this weekend. If you have non-drinkers in your social circle, too, I think you’ll be happy to read more about a delicious drink dupe from Better Than Booze and pick some up for the weekend.

Mocktails Crafted With Love!

• 8-10) small red potatoes- well scrubbed and pierced with knife to allow steaming during cooking.
• 2-4) medium Parsnips- well scrubbed, quartered lengthwise.  
• 5-6) medium carrots- well scrubbed, quartered lengthwise.  
• 1-2) medium onions- peeled, quartered.
• 5-6) Creamini Mushrooms, washed, dried.
• 2) tablespoons cooking oil of choice to coat pan and rack.
• 3) tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature.
• 2) tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage or 1 tablespoon dried sage.
• 7) sprigs fresh Rosemary, dried.
• 1) 4-5 pound whole organic (if possible) chicken- patted dry.
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt or salt of choice (we used fresh ground pink Himalayan rock salt).
• 1 tablespoon dried Sage.
• ¼ teaspoon ground dried Thyme.
• ¼ teaspoon ground dried Marjoram.
• ¼ cup water or dry white wine.

 It’s the most wonderful time of the year my friends. The holidays are finally here, and for some of us, that means gift crunch time! I’ll admit to being one of those people that actually enjoys being out in the crowd, bustling from store to store, gift list in hand. There is one store that I must shop at year after year - Macy’s! And the time to shop Macy’s for all your gifting needs is upon us. Folks, this Friday, December 11, is the Macy’s One Day sale where you can save up to 60 percent on gifts galore! Read on for some of my giftable ideas on my shopping list this year.

Ready, Set, Shop!

 I can’t believe we are in the middle of July already. With the sultry summer days upon us, adding more plants outside may not sound appealing, but these two books can help. The first book, Micro Food Gardening will show you how to plant tiny plants that will grow and thrive in small spaces like windowsills and front porches or stoops. The second book, Tiny Plants, will welcome you into the world of miniature house plants that will thrive in small spaces too. Read on to learn how to enter the giveaway for these two small, but mighty gardening book resources.

Two Books Giveaway!

 I’ve been spending more time offline this month to refresh and recharge my creativity and I feel like it’s helped tremendously. I have lots of fresh new content ideas I can’t wait to share with you, starting with this tasty post on how to create an Italian Charcuterie board that’s perfect for summer meals. 

Italian Charcuterie Board That's Perfect for Summer Meals!

Happy first day of December! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  While our gatherings may have been smaller this year, I sincerely hope you found ways to celebrate the day and make it memorable. Here it was just the four of us and we had a splendid day. There is something to be said for not having to be the hostess to a big family gathering. There was zero stress, which is always a blessing. Here’s another blessing hostesses will love whether the gathering is large or small, the NewAir 40 countertop clear icemaker. Read all the product details and my thoughts below.

Clear Ice at Home!

 As we get ready to welcome spring and the fun celebrations of the season, I’m reminded again of how often cocktails and mocktails are a part of these annual gatherings. I was delighted to have the opportunity to review a new book, Cocktails Southern Style by Belinda Smith-Sullivan, and share her Southern Mule Recipe with you today.

Welcome Spring with Southern- Inspired Cocktails!

Happy Easter: