It’s time! It’s that time of year again—when invitations start appearing in mailboxes and inboxes, and women across the country prepare for their beloved annual spring tea gatherings. We recently had the honor of speaking at the Monte Vista Presbyterian Church’s spring tea in Newbury Park, CA, where we shared about the power of connection and community. The energy in the room was contagious—these ladies exuded joy, embraced every game and table discussion, and filled the space with laughter and heartfelt stories. One of the most beautiful aspects of hospitality is the ability to bring people together, whether through a grand event or a simple gesture. At the spring tea, we spoke about the power of packing a basket—filled with treats, thoughtful gifts, or just a bit of warmth—and taking…
There was a time in my life that I did not want to be caught dead wearing matching pajamas with my parents. Not that they weren’t cool (in hindsight) and also, not that I was super cool in my oversized sweats and t-shirt. It did, however, seem like a death sentence to the very little street cred I had! And, that fear became even worse after my mom almost set the house on fire by spilling bacon grease in the bottom of our oven while I was sleeping one morning. I woke up to the screams of Leslie Callaway telling me to get out, and all my guy friends who had become fire fighters outside my house, laughing, and ready to take pictures in previously mentioned oversized sweats and t-shirt.…
“Spring Cleaning” is a phrase most people know. It’s that time of year after the snow has gone, the sun has returned, and we feel the need to dust off the cobwebs of winter and get ready to have people over, purge old items we no longer need or want, and breathe deeply after we have a thoroughly cleaned home. Before I got married, my then-fiance walked into my apartment, looked around, and told me he never thought he’d meet a neat freak worse than him. Everything was perfectly in place. Closets had color-coded boxes for items, and my closets were organized from light colors to dark colors, short sleeves to long sleeves. Everything had a place, and everything was always in its place. Upon seeing his place for the…
Step into the Sugar Bowl, a charming ice cream shop that feels like a joyful blast from the 1950s. With its gleaming pink booths, shiny chrome accents, and classic swivel seats at the counter, the shop captures all the nostalgic fun of a vintage diner. But it’s not just about the look—the ice creams here are the real stars, boasting rich, flavorful twists on classic favorites that delight every palate. From creamy salted caramel to bold espresso fudge, each scoop is a decadent treat that keeps customers coming back for more. Sugar Bowl 4005 N. Scottsdale Rd Scottsdale AZ 85215 (480) 946-0051 Hours - 11 am to 10 pm…
Mexican Hot Chocolate 3 cups milk1 cup heavy cream3 tablespoons cocoa powder2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips1/8 teaspoon kosher salt2 teaspoons vanillaPumpkin spice seasoning to tasteCayenne to taste TAKE YOUR CINNIAMON ROLLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL Purchase rise and bake cinnamon rolls, then bake according to directions. Now this is where it gets fun, using the recipe below make your own Cinnamon Butter Cream Frosting (save or use the frosting that comes with the cinnamon rolls). By adding the additional frosting to your delicious fresh-out-of-the-oven rolls, will assure yours taste like they came from your local bakery- or better yet, that they are homemade. Cinnamon Butter Cream Frosting • 2 cups Confectioners powdered sugar• 1 tsp Vanilla• ½ cup salted butter• 2 TBS half &half or milk• Mix with blender until…
Italy is rich in tradition. March 19th is not just Father’s Day in Italy, but it is the day of Saint Joseph. While Saint Joseph is observed throughout Italy, it assumes a particular relevance and meaning in Sicily. This special day intertwines the sacred and the secular blending moments of deep devotion with joyous celebrations. In the charming town of Santa Croce Camerina in eastern Sicily, for example, the celebration of Saint Joseph’s feast, dating back to 1832, is not just a tradition; it’s a heartfelt gesture of hospitality. The heartwarming custom involves the setup of grand tables, which are more than displays – they are generous offerings to the faithful and, particularly, the poorest in the community. The tables are adorned with bitter oranges, lemons, and a small altar…
Nestled just inside the foothills of Beverly Hills sits a paradise of history that people dream about. Who didn’t dream of living in a castle at some point in their lives? Sprawling staircases, gorgeous landscaping, and charming respites around every corner. The breathtaking views from balconies and the golden hues of light that bathe the treetops at dusk make one Beverly Hills destination a must-see, whether you are just visiting or living here. Greystone Mansion boasts an impressive 46,054 square feet of living space and includes magnificent attention to detail, such as hand-carved wooden oak banisters, balustrades, and rafters, a black-and-white checked floor pattern of inlaid marble, and a balcony in the living room large enough for musicians to play during special occasions. A large kitchen wall safe housed the…
While I thoroughly enjoy savory, comforting soups during cool, wintery nights, my mind often drifts to the sound of waves crashing on the shore and the feeling of warm sand between my toes. Now that summer is here, I am all about enjoying a lighter way of life! This is especially true of what I cook and how I cook. The last thing any of us want to do in the heat of the summer is fire up the oven or stove. Our family is big on easy, tasty outdoor meals when the temperatures rise. We kicked grilling up a notch when we purchased our first smoker. I surprised my husband with a Big Green Egg for his birthday a few years ago. What a difference in our outdoor cooking…
