Ah, the sweet scent of freshly sharpened pencils and the distinct sound of football pads colliding. These are the unmistakable signs that summer’s sun-soaked days are reluctantly relinquishing their grip to the thrill of a new academic year and the glorious arrival of football season. As we bid farewell to lazy afternoons and less routine, it is time to welcome the delightful chaos that comes with kids going back to school and the triumphant return of our beloved “Friday Night Lights.” And let me just say, I am here for the routine! … To all the parents out there, I see you.
When it comes to family spaces, living large isn’t about an excess of square footage but about creating a space where the family can simultaneously live together and alongside one another. Thanks to good design, you would never guess this house was originally built as a bachelor pad instead of the perfect spot to raise a family. … Upon entering the space, you may notice the open floor plan feels particularly welcoming thanks to its earthy color pallet and strategically placed conversation groupings.
Make Contentment Cool Again … Several years ago, I entertained the possibility of a career change. An opportunity became available for something I always said I wanted, but no matter how hard I tried, I just didn’t have peace about making the change. I remember talking to my parents about struggling with the decision, weighing the pros and cons, and Daddy asking me if I was unhappy with my current career. My response was no; I was actually very happy where I was and I enjoyed going to work every day. His next statement, as usual, was exactly what I needed to hear:
Old Fashioned Vanilla Ice Cream … President Bill Clinton’s Recipe … Made in Ice Cream Freezer … Recipe courtesy of Special Events, circa the 1990s … … INGREDIENTS … • 3 cans Eagle Brand milk … • 1 large marshmallow cream … • 1 small marshmallow cream … • 2 tablespoons vanilla … • ½ gallon whole milk … • 1 box of rock salt … Mix the first five ingredients in a large bowl, then pour into ice cream freezer. Leave approximately two inches from the top of the the freezer. Follow instructions on freezer. Should take approximately one hour to freeze. Layer two to three inches of ice.
Summer Activities for Kids … Summertime weather is heating up! Kids (and parents) are getting restless. When does school start again? It’s definitely time for some activities to keep the kiddos occupied as we go into the final month of the summer season. There are many different places for your kids to have fun in the Texarkana area, and I’m sharing a few of my personal favorites! … Buff City Soap … Looking for some “clean” fun? Your child can decorate and paint a mini bath bomb for free. These bath bombs not only smell great but are made of safe ingredients for the skin.
Lordy Lordy, look who’s 40! That’s right, it’s me! I cannot believe I am officially a quadragenarian, which is apparently what they call those of us between the ages of 40 and 49. I guess I’m in the beginning stages of adulthood now, where metabolisms slow down, hair turns gray (or disappears entirely), and I’ll soon start using phrases like “back in my day.” Ah, the joys of becoming “wiser.” … Reaching 40 feels like crossing a bridge from youthful exuberance to moments of “Where did I put my reading glasses?” Suddenly, I notice mysterious aches and pains that seem to pop up out of nowhere.
Cobi Hamilton’s farm in Nash, Texas, is like driving up on a tiny slice of East Texas heaven. Observing the beauty of the wildflowers and the magnificence of the cattle is a mesmerizing experience. It is easy to see why, in a busy and complicated world, this is Hamilton’s oasis.
Hold the Phone … It was almost déjà vu. A homecoming event found me in the hallway of the sorority house where I had lived as a student fifteen years earlier. The sound of ringing telephones coming from every direction was familiar and brought back memories. There was, however, something new. … “Hi. You’ve reached Mindy and Jen. Leave us a message at the beep.” … Mind you, the answering machine itself was not novel to me. Our home phone had been monitored by one for years.
There’s no better way to fortify your garden while reducing your contribution to landfills than composting. Starting a compost pile can feel a little intimidating. Just remember to follow this simple equation... … CARBON + NITROGEN + OXYGEN + WATER + TIME = COMPOST … BOX SIZE … Aim for a box that is at least 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet. Start with a thick base layer of brown material, including sticks, twigs, wood chips, hay, or straw to promote air circulation. Then alternate layers of greens and browns, making sure to always have a layer of browns on top, to balance the moisture.
Father’s Day Style … The month of June kicks off summer fun and memories to be made. It is also a time when we recognize our dads for all they do with a special day just for them. Treat dad to a few of his favorites and spoil him for all the hard work he does. I have selected a few items that he will enjoy and are sure to make him feel very appreciated. … Help dad haul his beverages and snacks of choice around with ease. This soft-sided cooler with a zip-top closure is perfect for on the go.