Mikki Barrett

Fall is a time when the leaves gracefully dance in their full glory before winter’s slumber. The radiant sun and crisp air beckon us to embrace warmth in cozy sweaters, indulge in delectable harvest dishes, and savor the comforting aroma of hot beverages. Long walks with friends and loved ones are cherished moments, as the leaves crunch beneath our feet, and the air is filled with a rich, earthy scent, hinting at the anticipation of the first bonfire. It is undoubtedly one of my most beloved seasons, and I eagerly anticipate the transformation of my home and lifestyle to greet this season with joy.

Outdoor spaces are vital for mental health and well-being in our urbanized world. Well-designed environments reduce stress and elevate moods, enhancing concentration, alleviating anxiety and depression, and stimulating creativity. They offer solitude and socialization. Natural materials evoke tranquility and connection, while biophilic design reduces stress and fosters belonging. A multi-sensory approach engages multiple senses, creating a calming effect through auditory stimulation from rustling leaves, trickling water, and birds, as well as the masking of urban noise by water features. Scented herbs enhance relaxation and contribute to the space’s well-being, visually appealing and promoting holistic restoration and rejuvenation. Come design the perfect outdoor space with me!

I have been an avid gardener most of my life,but now I live in a high-rise, where urban gardening can be challenging due to limited space, and other factors. However, even in a small apartment, balcony, or tiny yard, you can get creative with a few clever urban garden ideas. Smart designs make use of available resources to create a small oasis anywhere, even in a concrete jungle!

Charcuterie and other grazing boards are an ideal appetizer for entertaining. Often, they can be prepared and served to your guests swiftly. Building a visually appealing board begins with a solid foundation, which, of course, is a beautiful vessel. Many boards can be assembled without cooking, and with the right ingredients, they can provide a complete meal. As a widowed empty nester who often eats alone, it’s important to me to not only present myself with an appetizing plate but also one that’s aesthetically pleasing. Many of the boards I create for myself are served from unconventional vessels. I frequently thrift for mismatched antique tea cups or other oddities that allow me to create a beautiful presentation. You’ll find some sources to purchase gourmet food and boards here, but I also encourage you to use your imagination. Almost any shallow vessel will work if you take the necessary precautions to ensure it’s food-safe. Although edible flowers are not easily sourced, they make a lovely addition to the boards, as well as strategically placed herbs and greens.

Gourmet foods , beverages, spices, condiments, spreads, sauces and such that enhance your culinary adventures.

Okay, I must admit that a beautiful table can make me smile like the Cheshire Cat. My culinary journey began when I was about five years old, thanks to my mother. She started me out by having me set our family table for meals, and by the time I was eight, I was already at the stove crafting simple meals under her watchful eye. I truly love preparing a nice meal, but I believe I enjoy setting that special table almost as much. Even now, I am easily distracted by beautiful and unique items that make serving those meals special. This collection of items, tips, and tablescapes aims to elevate even the simplest meal, whether it’s a backyard cookout or an elegant table for holiday celebrations. The artistic and intentional arrangement of all the articles on a table, including tableware, centerpieces, glassware, and decorations, creates a cohesive theme, mood, or experience for an event or gathering. It’s an art form that involves selecting and placing objects to create visual interest and express a personal style, much like creating a landscape or an artwork. I hope you enjoy browsing through the sections of this list and that they inspire you to set a beautiful table!

I’m widowed, and my daughter is grown, but I still love to cook and want my meals to be not only tasty but also aesthetically pleasing. However, after becoming an empty nester, I found it increasingly challenging to prepare appetizing meals in smaller portions. When I searched for ways to prepare meals for myself, I was disappointed to find that many of the recipes on the web were quite tasteless, and inaccurately documented recipes were abundant as well. Determined to create a repertoire of individually portioned meals that were easy to prepare and appetizing, I set out to do so. This list includes recipes that I have tried and found to be delicious, as well as other ideas, tools, and small appliances that contribute to making a table for one easier, tasteful, and more beautiful.

“To ‘put by’ is an old, deep southern way of saying to ‘save something you don’t need now, for the time when you will need it.’ Preserving fresh food by canning, freezing, or dehydrating is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the year. It can undoubtedly be a healthier alternative to commercially available products and a more cost-effective way to feed your family. I find great pleasure in knowing that I have a delicious product made entirely from “scratch.” Every food has an optimal way of preserving it. Much of that depends on your personal preference for consuming each food. For example, berries can be canned as jam or syrup, made into juice, dried into leather or slices, or frozen in bulk.

I’ve been an avid lover of the printed word since I was a toddler, when my parents would read to me before bed. Even after all these years, it’s rare that I don’t end each night snuggled under a blanket in bed, engrossed in a book before turning off the lights. This collection features some of my favorite reads and thoughtful gifts for fellow readers.

Christmas traditions, such as decorating a tree, enjoying family recipes, and watching movies, remind us of happy childhood memories and help us feel connected and part of something bigger. But beyond these traditions, Christmas’s core messages of peace, love, and goodwill inspire us to give and be kind, making the world a better place. When we focus on others, we find happiness. The special sensory experience of Christmas, with twinkling lights, decorations, the smell of pine and baked goods, and carols, creates a truly magical atmosphere.