The history of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has always intrigued me. When I briefly (emphasis on brief) entertained the thought of earning a Ph.D., the origin on the area's founding and its first …

   One of the most amazing things about Mississippi is that there’s always a hidden gem just around the corner. A place I didn’t know existed until recently is the amazing …

Dilemma: a tight budget doesn’t allow room for a flight to an expensive vacation spot. But here’s a thought: there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the beauty, warm sun and cool breezes …

 Christians celebrate Easter for one reason: to commemorate the resurrection of Christ three days following his death. As long as we remember this important fact and celebrate its true meaning, …

    It’s officially spring, which means our electric bills will soon skyrocket as air conditioners began operating at full capacity. Scratch that…on a more positive note, …

 Sitting down to a bountiful lunch on Easter Sunday has been an American tradition for decades. However, for many, it can be a stressful day, juggling church services, family time and other …

   Easter is on the horizon and that means it’s time to start thinking about cheesecake. Some think about (and make) cheesecake all year long, but for the most part, the thick, cream …

Seconds away from pulling a frozen pizza from the supermarket freezer case last week, I glanced at the nutritional info. Learning that a couple of slices, or roughly one-fourth of the pizza, …

Super Bowl 58 has come and gone, quickly replaced last week with Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras hype. But that didn’t stop me from putting into practice some really good tips I picked up …

There’s a good chance you’re reading this on Valentine’s Day or maybe the weekend following the day when a special meal of some kind is required with your significant other. Even if …

I’ve previously shared my love of visiting New York City.  However, traveling to the chilly island surrounded by water in the dead of winter, aka January, was not something I’d …

Delivering dinner at the end of 2023 to friends who’ve helped me with various needs throughout the year proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Upon asking about the favorite foods of …

 One thing you can always count on when frigid temperatures envelope Mississippi – grocery store shelves are swept bare in mere hours and everyone begins sharing photos of whatever it is …

    Just when I think there's no way on earth anyone can create a new recipe, the internet surprises me. I own and regularly peruse many cookbooks, but similarly spend time checking out …

As promised, I compiled a list of my “favorites” from 2023 – included are new supermarket products and hidden gem restaurants that deserve a look in 2024. Without further ado, …

In case you were waiting for it.…my annual “Favorite foods, supermarket products, restaurants and destinations of 2023” is coming next week. I’m still trying to pare the list …

         I've shared this in previous columns, but it may bear repeating. I don't believe in luck, but instead, put my faith in God's grace and blessings …

Christmas is almost here, so technically, your shopping needs to be complete. However, if you’re like me, there are always a few last-minute gifts to buy. Here are a few suggestions for the …

“ Reggie and Ladye Love Smith…”  when you hear the names that are often printed or spoken together, you might know them from one of many different places and events. Reggie …

Borrowing a phrase from a former college student of mine who once said, “Wow, you lecture a LOT about stuff you’re passionate about!” I’m continuing my series (not lecture) on …

  It’s time for my annual “Please stop sending all your hard-earned money to large out-of-state conglomerates with no interest in Mississippi” plea. On a more …

For the first time in six months, give or take a few pleasant days, it’s finally cool enough to venture outdoors and enjoy the best of Mississippi’s wide open spaces, natural beauty and …

  Using the first letter of the all-too-brief season, fall is filled with festivals, football, family time and fun activities in the span between six months of searing heat and the …

  Thanksgiving is a couple of weeks away, but believe me when I say, you need to claim dibs on the turkey BEFORE the day arrives and here’s why. The game is not over when …

  Famous chefs and culinary experts never cease to inspire me...but not for the obvious reasons. Julia Child’s response to a reporter’s question asking if she ever ate …