Mother’s Day is a time of celebration, reflection, and gratitude. It’s a day when we recognize the unwavering love, sacrifices, and guidance our mothers provided throughout their lives. For many, however, Mother’s Day can be bittersweet—a day filled with both cherished memories and a sense of loss for the mothers who are no longer with us. Losing a mother leaves a space in our hearts that can never truly be filled. Whether she passed recently or many years ago, her presence is still felt in the traditions she created, the lessons she imparted, and the love she gave so freely. While the pain of her absence may never fully fade, Mother’s Day can be an opportunity to honor and remember her in meaningful ways. Mother’s Day can feel isolating for…
My grandmother shared a fascinating story about World War II. A “Rosie the Riveter,” she did not rivet. Grandma Essie was a paymaster for Republic Aviation Corporation in Evansville, Indiana, where they built P-47 Thunderbolt fighters. She also worked at the LST (short for “Landing Ship, Tank”) facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Grandma was the sole person on her shift entrusted with installing the final crucial part in the Thunderbolts. The piece, a type of gyroscope, was kept in a locked cage. Grandma had the only key. She would take the device—a $10,000 part in a plane that cost a total of $90,000—and carry it in her brassiere so no one knew she had it as she walked out across the massive factory work floor. After climbing a ladder up to…
Do you ever find yourself in a culinary conundrum, unable to distinguish between a salsa and a Pico de Gallo or perplexed by the mystery of a banana versus a plantain? Fear not, fellow food adventurer! I, too, embarked on a delicious journey to unravel the mysteries of food disparities. And guess what? I've got the inside scoop to share with you! So, buckle up your taste buds because today, my fellow food enthusiasts, we're diving into the delectable world of discerning food differences. As The Biblical Nutritionist, food has always fascinated and intrigued me. Pomegranates, grapes, wheat, barley, olives, figs, and dates are all foods given to the Israelites in the Promised Land. Yet, what was the purpose of those seven foods? That is a lesson for another day…
Several years ago, my mother went through a very busy season of antique shopping. She loved the thrill of the hunt to find the best deals for the best stuff. She would ring me up and send me photos of her finds, including gorgeous silver, brilliant crystal, and stunning china table settings. On one such adventure, she discovered a beautiful Noritake china set. The owner had told her that she had acquired the set from the wife of an ambassador who used to entertain for hundreds of people. Originally purchased with the entire set that sat over 200 people, she was sadly downsizing and had sold off many of the sets with only the one remaining. My mother was enthralled by the story and didn’t really care if it was…
Sometimes it just takes a Rolls to get the party going! Summertime is a great time to connect with old friends, make new ones, and enjoy warm days of leisure. We packed up our antique china and met a few friends in the park for a wonderful afternoon of conversation and connection. We are terrible at taking our own advice to rest and relax, but every now-and-again we remember to take some time out for a breather. Try skipping out on that load of laundry or that sink full of dishes and get together with your best friends with a picnic in the park! Hospitality shows up in many different ways. Family, church, dinner parties, one-on-one, or in big groups. But, it can look very different when it comes to…
Just a single step outside, and we know. It’s that season—with cooler temperatures, changing colors, and, at least for many, a hankerin’ for all things apple. What is it about autumn? As a girl, I recall momma stirring a bubbly substance as steam wafted about, giving the illusion of something magical taking place in our otherwise ordinary kitchen. But the aroma left no mystery. Momma was simmering apples for applesauce. We were originally from Ohio, with a plethora of orchards to choose from—some offering u-pick options while others, as momma explained, were only we-pick. “We pick? That means we get to pick ‘em, right?” My inquiry made sense to my 4-year-old sister who chimed in, “I wanna help!” But, much to our dismay, momma answered, “No, that’s u-pick. We-pick is…
Nestled along a sweeping expanse of North Carolina’s coastline is a charming barrier island town known as Ocean Isle Beach. This quaint town, covering just about four square miles, captures the imagination with its unique blend of natural beauty and community spirit. To reach this sweet beach haven, cross a single bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway, where you’ll reach the ever-changing sands. The peace of the ocean, with its majestic coastline and musical waves, serves as a backdrop for restful sleep after each memorable day. Sea turtles are protected here, shrimp boats are a common sight, and the legacy of iconic fishermen continues to deliver some of the best seafood around. Despite its modest size, Ocean Isle Beach hosts a spectacular event each year that draws visitors from near and…
We are entering the fall party season. Yay! It is one of my favorite times of the year. I just love fall parties, celebrating the change of season with leaves dressed in their Sunday best, bonfires, and dusting off those delicious, cozy recipes that just beg for you to snuggle up in your favorite sweater. This is just the appetizer, a time to just slow down and enjoy the moment and breathe because the lovely chaos of our Thanksgiving gatherings and holiday calendars lay just around the corner. It is a perfect time to review our gracious party guest etiquette so we can put our best foot forward. Best Party Guest TIps RSVP. If an RSVP is requested, it is best to respond on time and in the manner one…
For twenty years, I’ve had the honor of hosting a Ladies Christmas Brunch for treasured friends and family. Each celebration is filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of delicious food—a heartfelt way to express my love and appreciation. This event ignites my holiday season. I’m always filled with excitement for the celebration, and I believe my guests are, too. The idea for a Christmas brunch came to me after I realized I had spent little time with my friends throughout the year. These precious ladies work tirelessly from November to New Year’s Day, ensuring their families and friends experience memorable holidays. They are up early in the morning and late into the night with labors of love—cooking, baking, planning, shopping, wrapping gifts, attending festive events, and that doesn’t include their…
Healthy Party Recipes That Wow Your Guests A Sugar-Free Menu That Tastes Like a Treat Summer entertaining should feel effortless, not a burden. Whether you’re gathering a few close friends or hosting a backyard bash for a crowd, there’s one thing everyone can agree on: food makes the party. But what if your menu could impress without the sugar crash? That’s the heart of the sugar-free lifestyle—celebrating the joy of real food without the after-effects of hidden sugars, heavy carbs, and that dreaded sluggish feeling that follows a typical party feast. Let’s reimagine your next summer party with a menu that’s easy to prepare and keeps your guests energized and satisfied long after the sun sets. The Joy of Hosting Without the Sugar Hangover Summer parties often revolve around sweet…
The holidays are a time of celebration, joy, and community. For me, it’s also a season of nostalgia. Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, I moved to the U.S. as an adult in 2008. During the holiday season, I find myself reminiscing about the traditions that were a part of my life growing up in South India. In the weeks prior to Christmas, our kitchen buzzed with activity. My mother spent days whipping up large quantities of goodies, such as rose cookies — a donut-like, rose-shaped treat — and murukulu, a savory snack made from rice and lentils. She also made sponge cakes, both round and rectangular. Although Christians comprise only about five percent of India’s population, Christmas is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. Christian households across the country…
