Any of Y’all Ever Had Jalapeno Hands?

Please tell me I’m not alone. I feel like I might be. Have you ever even heard of jalapeno hands? Yea, it’s a thing. Yes, I’m serious. No I’m not joking. No it won’t kill you (I don’t think), but you won’t forget your experience with jalapeno hands as long as you live. Trust me. […]

The Pork Butt Rode Shotgun

Glued to the weather coverage last week, Hurricane Ian was coming fast and I was in full blown stress-shopping mode. Six trips to Publix in four days and I finally felt prepared. Oh sure, I could always use more snacks especially if this thing was delayed any further, but at the moment we were stocked. […]

I Fulfilled My Turkey Quest

Thanksgiving 2020 is one for the Thomas family record books. The fair Thaddeus Von Turkey was delightful and we slayed the potatoes, vegetables, stuffing and gravy. I’m sure there will be a Hallmark movie made about it. I mean after all, I conquered the beast, saved the family from sheer starvation, and secured my southern […]

Well, I’m Fittin’ to Cook the Turkey.

It’s a big week in my kitchen. As you all know , I’m taking on the task of turkey cookin‘ for the first time. It’s something I have avoided for years. In fact, during the days leading up to Thanksgiving in 2011, my daughter Alaine specifically wanted to cook a turkey. We weren’t even going […]

Let’s Talk Turkey.

I’m embarrassed to admit this. Like really embarrassed. I’m actually afraid the Coalition of Southern Women is going to come take my card. It’s only a matter of time before they find out this appalling truth. It’s shameful. It’s anti-southern. It’s just plain disgraceful to the generations of strong southern women before me. I, April […]

Notes in Lunch Boxes

Another Encore Week post…. This one is my favorite because it’s one of my fondest memories of my mom and of my kids… I enjoy celebrating special occasions as much as the next person but I also enjoy making ordinary days more memorable with simple unexpected gestures. To my son that may mean the smell […]

A Tomato Made Me Cry

For the past six months, our home has been very different. When I accepted a severance plan from my employer in September 2011, I also accepted a different daily routine for our family. Our life slowed down and the focus was no longer on a fast or convenient solution to whatever problems the day presented but […]

A Black Eye From What?

I was hustling around the kitchen one night and not really listening to the steady stream of words my son was hurling my way. It’s not that I was trying to ignore him. Actually, it was quite the opposite. As a finalist for Mother of the Year, I do try to actively participate in these […]

Shrimp & Grits Coming Up

There’s a quaint hotel in Savannah, GA where my husband and I enjoy occasional weekend getaways. We love the location, the decor and most of all – the staff. I have been passionate about customer experience throughout my marketing career. I typically display unusual levels of excitement when staff members show they really “get it”. […]

I Forgot But He Didn’t

You know those days when you have everything planned out perfectly? Your list is long, but you’ve got it all thought out. You know very well this means you’re going to be multitasking most of the day but you’re skilled and adept at stirring a pot of soup with one hand and solving the world’s […]