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Holiday 2014
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Holiday Specials 17 Strong Southern Woman— Simply Sarah 25 Just One of Those People 40 Funky Junk Trail Grows Again 92 Simply Christmas Fashions 96 A Few of Our Favorite Things 108 Where in the South Is That?
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21 Gathering for Fall 29 Thanksgiving for Kids 84 Keeping Christmas Traditions 89 Party With a Splash 104 Christmas Movie Favorites 112 Have a Sparkling New Year’s Eve
Recipes 33 Cheesy Thyme Butternut Squash
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55 35 A “Little” Family Thanksgiving 79 Gifts Made for Sharing– Peanut Brittle 81 Joys of Holiday Baking 100 Christmas Breakfast 110 Give the Gift of Food this Christmas 114 The Christmas Gram Cocktail
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Crafts/ How To 55 Painting Made Easy Peasy 63 Christmas Card Tree 67 Homemade Holiday 71 Happy Handmade Holiday 75 Pretty Paper Ornaments
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We have a wonderful group of contributors for this years Southern Holiday Life magazine. Be sure to like them on Facebook and show them some Southern LOVE!!!
Kelly Caldwell
Editor & Owner Southern Holiday Life & Lake Wedowee Life
Leisel Caldwell
General Manager & Owner Southern Holiday Life & Lake Wedowee Life
Lavoy Caldwell
Alicia Hernandez
Advertising Sales & Owner Southern Holiday Life & Lake Wedowee Life
Writer at Southern Holiday Life
Krayl Funch
Kelly Genn
Boo Hall
Amanda Henderson
Author & Blogger at An Appealing Plan
Author & Blogger at It’s the Little Things
Crafter & Junker
Blogger at Cultivate Create
Stacie Money
Charley Norton
Andy Petty
Tricia Stearns
Owner of Fringe Consignment Boutique
Lover of Southern Life
Movie Guru & Photographer
Southern Blogger at Purple Okra
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Tracy Carpenter
Suzanne Fulford
Baker & Owner of TracyCakes
Owner of Dixie Belle Paint Company
Jessie Patterson Jones
Stacey Little
Freelance Writer & Instructor at the University of Alabama
Cookbook Author & Southern Food Blogger at Southern Bite
Deanna Talwalker
Carmody Tisdale
Party Stylist at Mirabelle Creations
Author & Blogger at Paper & Fox Southern Holiday Life 11
On the Cover For the cover of this issue of Southern Holiday Life magazine, we wanted to be a little unconventional in our holiday spirit. The Christmas trees featured are made of pallets and metal. Donna Phillips of Frog Level Funky provided the Christmas Trees on the mantel and Holly Dickerson made the red burlap wreaths. All of the items are available for purchase at Southern Holiday Life Store and DĂŠcor located at 104 West Broad Street in Wedowee, Alabama. Cover photograph taken by Laura Velazquez of LaPhotography To see more unconventional Christmas Trees, see page 59.
General Manager
Editor
Advertising Manager
Advertising Sales
LEISEL CALDWELL info@lakewedoweelife.com
KELLY CALDWELL news@lakewedoweelife.com
LAVOY CALDWELL ads@lakewedoweelife.com
ALICIA HERNANDEZ ads@lakewedoweelife.com
Southern Holiday Life
256.357.4557 or 877.959.LAKE (5253) 104 West Broad Street Wedowee, AL
www.SouthernHolidayLife.com Southern Holiday Life magazine is published annually by parent company Neighborhood Publishing which also produces Lake Wedowee Life and Friday Night Life magazines. All content in this publication is protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise published without the prior written permission of Neighborhood Publishing. Š 2008-2014 Neighborhood Publishing
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Always Give Thanks Even for the Small Things! Planning for this magazine usually begins in July, so in an effort to deliver the magic of Christmas to our readers, some holidays get skipped over in the process. To be honest, I don't really like it! Our editorial staff celebrates Fourth of July and then we are all about eggnog and mistletoe until we go to print... We miss out on Labor Day and end-of-summer celebrations, the beginning of fall; and don't even think we decorate for Halloween (my all time favorite non-religious holiday). Nope, we are listening to Christmas Carols in August, putting up decorations in September, all in an effort to deliver the best we can to you by November 1. While it feels we leapfrog a lot of holidays to get to Christmas, Thanksgiving is another personal favorite of mine and this year my family and I have plenty of reasons to give thanks! So, I decided in no particular order I would tell our readers what I am most thankful for in 2014. 1. The power of prayer. 2. The amazing medical staff at UAB Hospital, East Alabama Medical Center, Tanner Urgent Care and Wedowee Hospital. 3. Family and friends for stepping up in all kinds of ways. 4. Flu Shots. 5. Isabella, my 12 year old peekapoo, that is always happy to see me. 6. Diet Dr. Pepper and coffee. 7. My education (Go TROY!) for giving me the foundation to do what I do. 8. Our advertisers, old and new, for supporting our BIG ideas! 9. Our amazing writers and photographers that make us look good! 10. Small Business. 11. The University of Alabama (ROLL TIDE!) 12. Alabama Girls State. 13. Our Readers that continue to love LIFE! 14. My amazing parents that believed we could create a business based on my skill set seven years ago! 15. My mama and all of her BIG ideas! 16. Reconnecting with friends from high school and college. 17. Vampire Diaries, American Horror Story, Scandal, Once Upon a Time and All the other television shows that allow me to escape from reality. 18. LAKE SEASON! 19. To say I knew men like Nick Patel, Tony Messer and Phillip Henson. 20. Facebook for always giving me a reason to laugh. 21. Dr. Mary Lee Caldwell (she graduates on 12/13/14). 22. For friends living in different time zones (and facetime) when I need to talk to someone in the middle of the night. 23. Ruffles Cheddar and Sour Cream Potato Chips. 24. Jenny Caldwell Adams for always being the big sister! 25. College Football (ROLL TIDE and Go TROY!) 26. The FUNKY JUNK TRAIL. 27. Free Doughnuts! 28. Stents and New Hips. 29. Falling Gas Prices. 30. Having a New home for all of our businesses (Lake Wedowee Life, Southern Holiday Life and Southern Holiday Life Store and Decor!)
Merry Christmas! Kelly Caldwell 14 Southern Holiday Life
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Sarah
As the head coach for the University of Alabama Gymnastics team, Sarah Patterson won 6 NCAA championships, 29 NCAA Regional Titles, 8 SEC Championships and only lost to Auburn once.
Longtime Coach Leaves Lasting Legacy On And Off Gym Floor For as long as I can remember, I’ve thought of my mom as limitless. She’s the ultimate marketer, the determined philanthropist, the fiery redhead. The list goes on — and let’s be honest — on and on and on. But it’s hard to fit the Sarah Patterson I know into the box most Alabama fans have concocted for her. Now, on the heels of her retirement in July, I think it’s time to share who she is when nobody’s looking – because that’s the true measure of a person, isn’t it? When the spotlight fades, my mom shines even brighter. If you want to see her smile, you can talk to her about Alabama gymnastics, national titles and her favorite championship rings.
Strong Southern Woman
most incredible woman I know, and what it means to be simply “Sarah” – but I just call her “Mom.”
*** After a 36-year career leading the Alabama gymnastics program, with But, if you want to see her light David Patterson at her side as both a up the whole room, ask her about loving husband and the ultimate the Power of Pink – and what it felt assistant coach, it’s been a time of like when a family friend had to use transition as Sarah has transitioned the DCH Breast Cancer Fund that out of the only job she has ever mom helped establish to pay for her known. treatment as she beat cancer. Ask In 1978, Sarah Campbell accepted her about her daughters – and what the job as the head coach for the it means that they are both graduUniversity of Alabama’s gymnastics ates of the University of Alabama, team, she knew she was taking on a well on their way to happy, fulfilling lot – and would be facing creating lives of their own. her own legacy in the shadow of Here’s my take on the strongest, Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and his
By Jessie Patterson Jones
football dynasty. She embraced the opportunity, and headed South from her upstate New York home with a degree from Slippery Rock State College in Pennsylvania. What many don’t know was that for Sarah, the trip back to Alabama was in many ways coming home. She was raised in Huntsville, Alabama from second grade through eighth grade. “Then my family moved. But then I came back right after college,” Sarah said. “I did have some upbringing in the southern culture. I remember when I was starting ninth grade in Endicott, New York, and I responded to a teacher and said ‘yes sir.’ He told me I was being disrespectful and sassy by responding in that manner. I quickly knew I was not in the South anymore.” Fast forward 36 years, and Sarah and David coached Alabama gymnastics to 6 NCAA championships, 29 NCAA regional titles and 8 SEC championships. But it’s the lessons they’ve taught and the relationships they’ve built with her former athletes that matter the most. “For our career, the relationships mean everything,” she said. “That’s more important than any and all of the championships we’ve won, to see our athletes become successful women in their careers, as moms, to be great parents, and to be servants to their communities. I think that’s probably more rewarding than any of the championships that we won, to have had that influence on their lives.” More than a decade ago, Sarah left her biggest mark on the Tuscaloosa community when she had a mammogram scare. While getting a routine check up, she couldn’t pass her mammogram. She received the 18 Southern Holiday Life
ried career, her focus has turned inward as she undergoes two total knee replacements. The first one took place in late September, and have in many ways turned the tables on the lessons she taught athletes over four decades at the Capstone. “So many of our ladies have texted me and said, ‘You’re the strongest woman I know,’” she said. “What I say to them is that I’m going through this rehabilitation process, and I’m trying to use the attitude that so many of them had when they were injured as athletes. “I’m trying to emulate them ultimate in care, eventually finding now. They’re my role models and it’s so interesting for me to say that. out that nothing was wrong. The experience and extra testing caused It’s a role reversal, and I take what they say as a great compliment. I’m her to ask what would have happened if she didn’t have great insur- trying to follow in their lead coming ance. She didn’t like the answer, and off of surgery and preparing for anset out to raise awareness for breast other one.” *** cancer in Tuscaloosa. A partnership with the DCH As the holiday season looms, Health System and local business owner and philanthropist David De- things will look a little different at Santis led to the Power of Pink at the the Patterson household this year. University of Alabama – and the es- Mom won’t be running around tablishment of the DCH Breast Can- wrapping gifts and cooking meals at cer Fund, which provides mammo- the same pace as she always has. In grams and treatment, if needed, for fact, I’ve been put in charge of Thanksgiving for first time in my women without insurance in the life… and that’s a lot to live up to West Alabama area. To date, more than $1.3 million has been raised for when Mom is one of the best cooks I know. the fund. But as we prepare to gather to“Taking our fan base and using gether to celebrate and look back on our position in the community to help make a difference in the lives of a year of change, I’ll hug my husothers was so important, because so band, my sister and my incredible many people helped us,” Sarah said. parents, and we’ll be looking for“I’m as proud of our involvement in ward to all the fun that’s in store for our community as I am our success us when Mom gets through one more surgery. in athletics. We’re ready to tackle life’s adNow, Sarah is embarking on a new journey, as special assistant to ventures head on, no matter what comes next. the athletic director and working And her strength is the reason with the Crimson Tide Foundation. why. In the midst of wrapping up a sto-
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ROANOKE/WEDOWEE
For Fall
Holiday Entertaining by Krayl Funch
Unlike other seasons that loudly announce their arrival, Autumn quietly comes to us, each day slightly cooler, filling our gardens and tables with the warmer colors of nature. Travel slows from the summer months but has not yet hit its’ holiday stride, it is the perfect time to host a Fall Gathering at home and set the table with the first signs of the season. For me Fall entertaining is a magical time of year. The bounty of harvest makes for an amazingly colorful and texture filled display that will last long past your dinner party. Look to the garden or farmers market for inspiration as well as well priced gourds in all sizes - fill baskets to place at your doorway to
welcome guests to your home. Continue this theme into your home for displays on mantels, book shelves and onto your dining table. Send out the invites for a Fall Gathering and suggest each guest brings along a dish to share, this helps reduce the amount of work you have to do and also encourages conversations about the recipes. To make it easier on the guest pick a theme to base their dish on such as “Comfort Food”, “Mom’s Favorite Recipe” or “Fresh From the Farm” – I find people like to make their own final decisions but also feel more comfortable when they have some direction. To create this Fall inspired tablescape with mini pumpkins use a
demin blue table covering to set a neutral backdrop for the colors of fall, even orange looks great against it! Stack autumn tone leaf plates on wood chargers, then set an orange mini pumpkin at each placesetting on top of a folded white linen napkin to add a special something to each place setting, you may even suggest that each guest can take their pumpkin with them as a gift. Scatter additional mini pumpkins down the center of the table, but be sure to pick the ones with perfect little stems! For an easy, colorful yet still fall flower arrangement use sunflowers. It really pulls the arrangement together and reminds me of fields bursting with sunflowers and the
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last sunny days of the year. Mix in wildflowers and seeded Eucalyptus in to keep the natural feel, and a few fading tulips to add a contrasting color. Celebrating the harvest with friends and family has been a tradition in this country and others for many generations, I encourage you to continue this with your loved ones around your table. Cheers. An accomplished home and event stylist, Krayl Funch’s passion for living well is evident in everything she touches. Raised in Connecticut, just a short 30 minute train ride into New York City, and currently residing in Tampa Bay, she easily blends New England sophistication with Southern hospitality. Learn more www.AnAppealingPlan.com
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Just One of Those People Randolph County has changed so much over the last twenty years. Businesses have come and gone and so have a lot of people... Small business is the driving force in a lot of communities, but it is the people behind those small businesses that give our towns heart! Wedowee Building Supplies is one of those businesses. For a lot of people, Tony Messer was just the nice man sitting behind the counter eating a biscuit giving a smile, compliment and a can of juice to everyone that came in the door. To those, I’d like to share our story, and I’m sure there are others like it, so that they can understand what a truly good man he was. It was 1989, I was out of the military and making my life in Birmingham. I had been out for 3 years and by that time, had worked for several different companies, trying to find my place. My brother Tom, called me and told me about a lake house for sale in Wedowee that was in foreclosure. That was my first memorable meeting with Tony Messer, the lien holder. Tom and I talked with him a while then went over to look at the house. Almost in passing, he suggested a bank for us to get a loan. We took his advice and applied there but knew there was a slim chance of getting approved. Tom and I didn’t have much credit history but to our surprise, not only did we get the loan, we got enough money to finish the construction. But
this wasn’t a surprise to Mr. Tony because without us knowing, he called the bank and personally guaranteed our loan. I don’t know why he did it and probably never will but something in him must have felt that we were worth the risk. I would say that this definitely wasn’t the only time that Tony
Charley’s Treasures by Charley Norton Messer took a risk on someone and that was because, I think, he knew the best way to help his family was to help other families. That is how you build a successful community. Each of those that have met success, help those worthy to do the same, and so on, and so on…..until you have what we have now. We would not have survived the last few years had it not
been for the support of our neighbors, and our community. Tom and I worked on the house every weekend when we weren’t working on jobs for the store. I traveled down from Birmingham and met Tom at the house (on mud creek), where we worked and learned what it took to put a house together. Our wife’s would come and help so we all were invested in the project. Mr. Tony was there giving us the best prices and advice he could, and encouraging us on our way. When we were done and the house was on the market, he made sure we stayed on track by giving us advice on how to sell it and what our next move should be. The experience of putting a house together and selling it, even when it didn’t make us any money (first Gulf War) told Tom and I that we could work together and is what drove the eventual move of my family from Birmingham back to Randolph County where I re-joined the family business. Years later, with the Messer family and others support, we moved our business to Wedowee (from Roanoke) and this is where we will stay. It’s important for all of us that grew up in Randolph County to remember where we came from and the people that helped us get to where we are now. Mr. Tony was one of them, but there were definitely others. He may have been there to make the best for his family, but he
made the best for us too. I hope that one day the same can be said for our family, for there is no better compliment. I want to express my sincere condolences to the Messer family for the loss of the great Tony Messer. Many of us wouldn’t be here without his help and influence. Our family ( the Norton’s) will be forever in his debt and there are so many that would agree that he is a true loss to our community, but his legend lives on as a visionary who was a great part in putting our wonderful town, and county, on the map. In life, there are those that look after themselves, then there are those that look after their family. But the really special ones, look out for everyone. These are the people that change the world. They are the ones that leave a footprint seen long after the shadow is gone and often forgotten. It’s not done for fame or even to build a legacy. They do it because it’s the right thing to do. Thank you, Tony Messer, for being one of those people. Charley Norton is the co-owner of Norton’s Flooring with his brother Tom. The company was founded more than 35 years ago by his parents. Illustration of Tony Messer by Tom Scott.
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For Kids
Holiday Entertaining by Deanna Talwalker Mirabelle Creations
Thanksgiving dinners with my family are multigenerational affairs. Up to four generations attend the party, so accommodating everyone takes a little forethought. In particular, keeping the kids entertained ensures that everyone enjoys Thanksgiving. With just a few simple steps, you can create a memorable, fun Thanksgiving even for your littlest guests. Coordinate the Kids’ Space. Although kids appreciate their own table, you don’t have to sacrifice style. When I planned this Thanksgiving table, I chose a color palette of cranberry, candlelight orange, and tan. The dessert table, adult table, and kids’ table all incorporated these colors. The paper goods, such as the name cards and food labels, for each of the tables also matched. Offer plenty of activities. Providing activities for the kids keeps them occupied for several extra minutes after they finish their meal. One simple activity is a Thankfulness Tree. A small “tree” can be set up on the table
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by placing branches in a vase. The kids then write what they are thankful for on paper leaves and place them on the tree. The tree also doubles as an inexpensive centerpiece. Basic kraft paper can be elevated with grosgrain ribbon and placed on top of the kids’ table. The kraft paper serves to keep the linens clean and as a spot for kids to doodle. One other entertaining craft, like owl coloring pages, gives kids an opportunity to get creative. Take it Outside. If the weather permits, set up the kids’ table outdoors. Kids generally love being outdoors. For school-aged kids, when they are done eating, they can play outside until the grown-ups finish their dinner. If Thanksgiving Day is too chilly, choose another kid friendly spot for the kids’ table. Setting up the table in a playroom, basement, or even a child’s bedroom allows the kids the freedom to play after they clean their plates. Add Natural Elements to Décor. Fall is a great time to find décor in your own backyard. For the Thankfulness Tree, I gathered twigs from my backyard and spray painted them white for a modern look. The dessert table included acorns and mini pumpkins upgraded with gold spray paint. For the kids, acorns were also transformed into whimsical little owls with simple craft felt. These mini owls would be perfect for your pint size guests. And, the little owls can be taken home as a party favor. Choose Desserts for the Young at Heart. Although Pumpkin Pie is a perennial Thanksgiving favorite, kids appreciate a few dessert options that are just for them. Gumballs and sixlets in apothecary jars add pops of color to a dessert table, but are also irresistible to little hands. Mini pies and little cookies are also easier for kids to manage. Kids won’t be the only ones sampling these goodies. Adults will certainly be tempted by the candies and mini desserts, too. Southern Holiday Life 31
ASHLAND/ROANOKE/WEDOWEE
Cheesy Thyme
Holiday Recipe by Krayl Funch The fall season brings an abundance of new flavors and ingredients to the markets. This easy roasted butter DIRECTIONS nut squash recipe requires just a few ingredients and Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place squash halves cut can be prepped in advance. Serve it as a lunchtime side up on a rimmed baking sheet and season with salt snack or side dish at dinner. and pepper. In a small pan warm cream and chopped thyme, diCheesy Thyme Butternut Squash vide among halves. with Pumpkin Seeds Bake until squash is tender when pierced with the INGREDIENTS tip of a sharp knife, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from 2 acorn squash {1 pound each}, halved lengthwise, oven and cut into wedges. Sprinkle each wedge with seeded Parmesan, top with thyme sprig and bake until cheese Salt and pepper is melted and golden, 10 to 15 minutes more. 1/4 cup heavy cream Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top and serve warm. 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped 8 sprigs thyme 1/2 cup grated Parmesan {2 ounces} For recipes and more by Krayl Funch, visit her web1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds site, www.AnAppealingPlan.com
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giving staples like turkey and dressing and cranberry sauce are surely on your list. Each year at Thanksgiving I am reminded of one of the most hilarious food stories I have… (queue flashback sequence and dreamy music). It was right after I finished my degree. I had a new house, a new car, and being the budding foodie that I was, I decided that canned cranberry sauce just wasn’t going to be good enough for me anymore. So after weeks (and I do mean weeks) of searching and scouring, I finally found a recipe that I was excited about. Now I can’t remember the recipe exactly (I’ve Stacey Little has a lot to be thankful for this year. He remade huge attempts to completely block that from my leased his first cookbook “The Southern Bite,” has been inmemory) but I seem to remember combining what vited to cook on numerous national television shows includseemed to be about 14 expensive ingredients and boiling Fox and Friends Weekend and the Today Show. He has ing them for a while. Then I was to transfer the mixture met with fans at book signings and is even considering a secto a blender to puree the concoction. Well, here’s where ond cookbook, all while maintaining a full time job and the fun begins. My kitchen, at that time, had white spending time with his family. Needless to say, “Southern counters, white cabinets, white walls, and white ceilHoliday Life” is proud of Stacey and his accomplishments ings ( I know… sounds boring, anyway…), so keep that and we worked with him on a collection of previously pubin mind. Oh yeah, and we have a white dog. So you lished recipes and stories we hope you will enjoy from his ask, why am I telling you about our dog??? Just keep blog www.southernbite.com. reading. So I pour the blazing hot conglomeration of With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I’m sure cranberries, orange zest, sugar, etc. into my blender, plop the top on, and flip the switch. But guess what I you all are feverishly planning your menus. Thanksforgot to do… yep! Forgot to put my hand on the top.
Thanksgiving
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And wouldn’t you know it, that hot liquid whirled around and blew the top right off the blender sending a geyser of hot cranberry goo all over my kitchen in a fashion much like Old Faithful. Now remember back there when I told you about my kitchen and how white it was, and my dog… suddenly everything was not so white anymore, including the dog. Bailey loved it though… she scurried around the kitchen licking up all that she could, bless her heart. So I bust out the bleach cleaner and ladder and start to scrubbing. I’m just about finished when Heather comes in and helps me finish ( she has great timing doesn’t she?). Well, there was some still left in the blender and I had only attempted to puree half of it so I decided to try again with the remaining “sauce”. I carefully poured the remaining liquid from the pot into the blender and reached down to plug the blender back into the outlet to get started (it got unplugged while cleaning). But what I failed to realize is that the switch had gotten bumped back into the “on” position and there was NO LID on the blender. So once again, a red, gelatinous goo gets blasted all over my kitchen. Believe it or not, after spending another 45 minutes cleaning, there was enough left that I was actually able to make some real killer cranberry sauce. Everyone really loved it, and I’m glad… cause they’ll never have it again. From then on… we’ve been canned all the way. Photos by KimBox Photography and Stacey Little. Cranberry Relish Offer something different from the sliced canshaped, jellied cranberry sauce this year. This is one of the dishes that will wow your family and guests, and you’ll never have to tell them how easy it was to prepare. 1 (14-ounce) can plain jellied cranberry sauce 12 ounces fresh cranberries ½ cup sugar ½ cup orange juice Combine the cranberry sauce, cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, and chill for at least one hour before serving. Serves 6 to 8
If your kitchen is like mine, then you know what I mean when I say that oven space is at a premium around the holidays – especially when it comes to Thanksgiving. That big bird takes up a lot of room! That’s why I started doing my Cornbread Dressing in the slow cooker several years ago. It works great because it frees up valuable oven space and the slow cooker method always yields dressing that is moist and delicious. And this is the recipe that I used to use in the oven so there no harm in putting this mixture in a casserole dish if you’d like. You’ll need to bake it at about 375 degrees F for 45 to 44 minutes if you decide you don’t want to go the slow cooker method. Y’all enjoy! Slow Cooker Cornbread Dressing Ingredients 8 cups crumbled cornbread 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of chicken soup 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of celery soup 3 cups chicken broth 1 small onion, chopped 2 ribs celery, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Instructions Combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer them to a 4-quart slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Praline Topping The sweet and crunchy praline topping is really the star of this dish. While there seem to be two basic versions of the dish—one topped like this and another topped with roasted marshmallows—this is the way my mother has made it for years. For the Sweet Potatoes 3 pounds medium sweet potatoes 1 ½ cups sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 4 ounces evaporated milk ¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter For the topping 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/3 cup melted butter ¾ cup coarsely chopped pecans Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, Grease 1 ½ quart baking dish. Peel and slice the potatoes, place them in a medium saucepan, and cover with water. Cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes until fork tender. Drain the potatoes, pour into large mixing bowl. Mash them well with potato masher or a hand mixer. Add the sugar, vanilla, eggs evaporated milk, and butter, and mix very well. Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Combine the brown sugar, flour, butter, and pecans in a medium bowl. Spoon the mixture over the potatoes. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes Serves 6 to 8.
As far as I’m concerned, Green Bean Casserole is just about as important as turkey and dressing on my Thanksgiving table. It’s just not Thanksgiving without it. And while I know there are those out there who baulk at the idea of condensed soups, but it’s just not the same without it. I’ve tried gussied up versions before that eliminate the soup, but nothing comes close. Here’s my take on the traditional Thanksgiving classic… Green Bean Casserole Ingredients 3 – 14.5 oz cans of cut green beans 1 – 10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup 1/2 cup sour cream 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 1/2 cups french fried onions 1/2 cup almonds Instructions Drain beans and combine them with cream of mushrooms soup, sour cream, soy sauce, granulated garlic, onion powder, and black pepper; mix well. Pour into a greased 9X13 casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from oven and top with fried onion and almonds. Return to oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until onions are toasted and golden brown.
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Now, I’ll admit that all that pumpkin can be a bit much for me, but this easy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crunch Cake it just about perfection. The crunchy pecan topping is what really puts it over the top. Even my non-pumpkin-liking family members loved this one. I just know you will, too! Pumpkin Cream Cheese Crunch Cake Ingredients 1 (16.5-ounce) boxed spice cake mix 1 (15-ounce) can plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup water 3 eggs 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened 4 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 cups chopped pecans 1/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Instructions Preheat the oven to 350° F and lightly spray a 9X13 baking dish (or pan) with nonstick cooking spray. Combine the cake mix, pumpkin, oil, water, and eggs in a large bowl and mix until well combined, about 2 minutes. In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until mixed, adding more lemon juice if necessary to get the mixture smooth and just pourable. Pour half of the cake batter into the baking pan and then drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture as much as possible, but don't stress over getting it perfect. Top with the remaining cake batter and spread evenly. Mix the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in another bowl and sprinkle over the top of the batter. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cake is set. Cool before slicing.
This super easy, super delicious recipe is actually from my wife’s grandmother. It’s probably one of the very first things that Heather ever made for me. It is absolutely delicious and always a favorite on our Thanksgiving table. Think chocolate pecan pie. It’s awesome served slightly warmed with a big ol’ scoop of vanilla ice cream. Kentucky Pecan Pie Ingredients 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped pecans 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 – 9 in. deep dish unbaked pie shell Instructions Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine chocolate chips, nuts, eggs, sugar, butter, flour, and vanilla and mix well.Pour into pie shell and bake for 1 hour. Allow to cool before slicing.
1.Southern Holiday Life Store & Décor 104 West Broad Street, Wedowee, AL 256-357-4557 Store Hours: Mon & Thurs 10am-4pm, Fri & Sat 10am-5pm Where the Funky Junk Trail begins, our little shop gives you an extension of our magazine which offers our customers an eclectic mix of repurposed furniture, handcrafted custom made furniture, home décor, boutique-style clothing, handcrafted jewelry, gourmet food products, gifts, bath and body products and so much more! 2.Two Guys and a Girl, Attics to Antiques 3355 Highway 431 Roanoke, AL 334-863-5865 Store Hours: Wed 8am-12pm, ThursSat 10am-4pm A hometown small shop that offers a variety of antique treasures including, but certainly not limited to, vintage glassware, McCoy and Hull pottery, collectibles, small furniture, lamps, vintage keepsakes, and so much more. 3.The Refinery* 906 Columbus Pkwy Opelika, AL 334-220-8925 Store Hours: Mon 10am-7pm, ThurSat 10am-7pm, Sun 1pm-5pm 4.Resurrect Antiques 559 Fob James Drive Valley, AL 334-756-0559 Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Resurrect is a one-of-a-kind antique store specializing in furniture, home decor, antiques, vintage inspired clothing, accessories and more. Resurrect simply means to bring back to life or to bring about a new purpose…..and we love to do just that! We have anything from primitive decor to elegant French inspired pieces. 5.Marketplace on Lafayette Square 100 Bull Street 40 Southern Holiday Life
Lagrange, GA 706-882-3338 Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm 6.Southern Charm, A Vintage Marketplace* 10 Wares Cross Road Suite 70 Lagrange, GA 785-766-7257 Store Hours: Wed-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 5pm-8pm
7.Scarlett’s Attic Antique 300 E Main Street Hogansville, GA 706-813-5058 Store Hours: Wed-Sat 11am-6pm A charming little shop that offers Gone With the Wind collectible plates along with an array of great primitive to midcentury antiques, repurposed and refurnished furniture, shabby chic décor, vintage collectibles, gifts, keepsakes, memorabilia, home décor, beautiful
organized store. This is a shopping experience worth the drive, with prices low enough to take a few books home. Something for everyone, from casual reader to dedicated book hound and collector. Find us on the web. 10.Just for You Thrift Shop 307 S. Highway 29 Hogansville, GA 706-637-6227 Store Hours: Fri-Sat 11am-5pm Here you will find antique furniture, home décor, and many pieces that are sure to satisfy the bargain hunter’s adventure. Don’t forget to ask them about their layaway program and scheduled auctions that are held at their other location. 11.Born Again Antiques 304 East Main Street Hogansville, GA 404-910-7191 Store Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm Born Again Antiques is the place for the manly antique shopper. It is not your ordinary grandma's antique store. They offer hundreds of replacement vintage furniture pulls, knobs, handles, and hardware. Crystal chandeliers are another specialty, including repair and restoration. Come see 4000 sq. ft. of mantiques, doors, windows, salvage, oddities, and more. 12.High Cotton Antique Mall 18788 Main Street Woodbury, GA 706-553-3960 Store Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm Located in downtown Woodbury, this store offers a large variety of antique to glassware, pottery and so much more. hogany furniture and accessories. Also, mid-century furniture pieces, repurposed and refurnished furniture, metal be sure to browse through William’s art, garden décor, home décor, primi8.William & Mary’s Sports Collectibles and Memorabilia. tive antiques, collectibles, lighting déAntiques & Sport Collectibles cor, and so much more. 200 East Main Street 9.Blue Train Books Hogansville, GA 200 Main Street 13.Eklektik Styles* 706-333-2520 Hogansville, GA 324 East Broad Street Suite 232 Store Hours: Tues-Sat 11am-5pm 706-637-9555 Griffin, GA For over 15 years, Mary has been deco- Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 404-788-3338 rating homes with vintage art, pottery, 9am-6pm, Sun 12pm-4pm lamps, glass, china and linens along Blue Train Books offers a diverse selec- Store Hours: Wed-Thurs 11am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm with mid-century, modern, and mation of quality books in a clean, wellSouthern Holiday Life 41
14. 47th Avenue Antiques* 324 East Broad Street Suite 212 Griffin, GA 404-569-4760 Store Hours: Wed-Sat 10am-5pm 15. RubySlippers Vintiques* 324 East Broad Street Suite 238 Griffin, GA 678-428-3528 Store Hours: Wed-Sat 11am-5pm 16. Sweet Southern Salvage* 324 East Broad Street Suite 210 Griffin, GA 770-584-0116 Store Hours: Wed-Sat 11am-5pm
20.It’s About Time Antiques & Uniques 117 Franklin Highway Newnan, GA 404-910-9389 Store Hours: Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm This sweet little shop is a treasure hunter’s dream. They offer many interesting things that have been repurposed and recycled creating great pieces for you to decorate your home or garden, vintage collectibles, memorable keepsakes, handcrafted home décor pieces, jewelry, furniture, gifts and so much more.
22..Rockin’ B Antiques 2025 Highway 154 17.Gypsy Newnan, GA 30265 26 Main Street 770-253-8730 Senoia, GA Store Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 770-727-9047 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm Store Hours: Tues-Thurs 11am-5pm, This one-stop-shop offers everything Fri-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 1pm-5pm shabby, chippy, vintage and antique! Located in the heart of historic down- With over 10,500 square feet and aptown Senoia this eclectic charming proximately 50 vendors under one shop offers a wide selection of the lat- roof, one can find furniture, home, est trends in ladies jewelry, accessories, porch, or office décor, garden décor, gifts, and so much more! Their motto is gifts, keepsakes, collectibles, memorato come and embrace your unconven- bilia, and oh so much more. tional side at Gypsy! 22.Collectors on 54 18. Kelly & Company Antiques* 8861 Highway 54 1850 Highway 85 S Sharpsburg, GA Fayetteville, GA 770-251-6835 678-817-7788 Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun Store Hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm, 1pm-5pm Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm Together under one roof, Collector’s 54 and The Boneyard offers beauty, inspi19.Circa Antiques ration, and design with over 22,000 855 Senoia Road square feet filled with favorites such as Tyrone, GA Arthur Court, Brighton, Byers’ Carol770-683-7991 ers, Quoizel Lighting, Stephan Baby, Store Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun Willow Tree, ladies’ accessories, an1pm-6pm tiques, repurposed furniture and home Located in historic downtown Tyrone décor, candles, and so much more. this shop focuses on urban and country living with an eclectic style of country 23.Somewhere in French and American Farmhouse déTime Antiques* cor that is sure to please the interior 213 Main Street designer or homemaker offering furni- Dallas, GA ture, art, decorating pieces, jewelry, 770-445-7555 ladies vintage fashion apparel, candles, Store Hours: Tue-Sat 1:30am-5:30pm designer lighting, and more.
24.Art Things* 217 Main Street Dallas, GA 770-443-3474 Store Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-5pm 25.Corner Junque & Antique Mall* 223 Main Street Dallas, GA 678-324-0369 Store Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5:30pm 26.The Craft Cottage* 222 Main Street Dallas, GA 770-445-8228 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am -2pm 27. The Pineapple House* 518 Maple Street Carrollton, GA 770-880-7613 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5:30pm 28. Feathers & Twigs* 506 Maple Street Carrollton, GA 770-214-9191 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 10:30am-5:30pm, Sat 10:30am-4:30pm 29. Calhoun Pickers* 801 Wilmer Avenue Anniston, AL 256-403-6568 Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1pm-6pm 30. Birds of a Feather* 1521 Greenbrier Dear Road Anniston, AL 256-403-2991 Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm 31.Powder Box Antiques 40745 Highway 280 Sylacauga, AL 256-369-1207 Store Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm Look for the Pink Store! Offers customers a vast mix of antiques and collectibles including American and European furniture, glassware, tools, estate jewelry, silver, primitives, and so much more! *New Stop on Funky Junk Trail
Southern Charm A Vintage Market Place 10 Wares Cross Road Suite 70 LaGrange, GA Going North on Interstate 85, the trailblazer will come to Southern Charm, A Vintage Marketplace that opened its doors in May of this year and offers such an eclectic mix of furniture, vintage finds and new items. We love the shabby chic facelifts that Holly Gleasure and her sister-in-law, Amber, give to dated furniture. They love color and we do too! Just as for all the stores on the Funky Junk Trail, you never know what you might find on any given visit and this one doesn’t disappoint. Their treasures include hand-painted furniture, unique finds like rusty old ice chests, vintage jewelry, home décor. One of our favorite finds were the pillows that have funny sayings such as “I’m Smitten as a Kitten.” We found the prices to be very reasonable and will certainly cause us to visit again when we are in need of a treasure hunt fix. Be sure to visit them on Facebook, where the girls post their finds and happenings frequently.
The Refinery 906 Columbus Pkwy Opelika, Alabama The Refinery is the place to go when you find a piece on the Funky Junk Trail and it just isn’t the right color for you or if it just doesn’t fit your style. They specialize in custom refurnishing, restoring, and painting furniture and home décor. With New Creations Upholstery shop housed right inside their store, they are sure to be able to help you with all of your Funky Junk refurnishing needs. Owner, Cathy, opened the business in 2013 in Auburn and decided to move the business to their current location in May of 2013. In addition to her custom work, she offers trendy home décor and furniture at affordable prices. Lastly, they are always looking for furniture to purchase, so contact them if you have any that need to find a new home. Be sure to visit them on Facebook to learn about their monthly paint classes and other treasures they have to offer. Lastly, make plans to attend their Grand Opening and Holiday Open House scheduled for November 20th at 4p.m. We are certain you are in for a treat.
Feathers & Twigs 506 Maple Street Carrollton, Georgia Feathers and Twigs is a treasure trove just waiting for our fellow Funky Junk Trailblazers. The store features lots of antiques and vintage pieces ,as well as, original artwork by Charlotte Scarce. They have recently updated furniture, as well as, funky retro pieces just waiting for the right owner. Owner, Cindy, prides herself in ensuring that her store appeals to all ages. For the do-it-yourself crafter, Feathers and Twigs also carries Miss Mustard Seed line of milk paint. Cindy’s daughter, Hannah, is responsible for reviving outdated furniture in the store and swears by Miss Mustard Seed paint. Cindy’s mom, Eris, or as they like to call her Granny, also works in the store Thursday through Saturday and is known for bringing in treats for the customers. You can find her recipe for Peanut Brittle on Page 79 of this issue. Some of our favorites included the sassy named candles, a large bright red vintage suitcase and the collection of 70s glassware. Be sure to find Feathers and Twigs on Facebook to see more of what they have to offer.
The Pineapple House 518 Maple Street Carrollton, GA The Pineapple House is a collection of local artisans selling handmade products in West Georgia. Owner, Tammy, opened The Pineapple House nearly three years ago with only twelve vendors and in a short time outgrew the original location on Dixie Street. The store will celebrate its one year anniversary in its new location on Maple Street in February and currently has more than 50 vendors selling handmade products like jewelry, furniture, wreaths, cutting boards , soaps, candles scarves and signs. The store embodies "Shop Local" by providing customers a unique shopping experience for each and every visit. Tammy also stocks her store with seasonal decorative merchandise including metal work and yard art. Our funky finds included crocheted boot cuffs, a necklace made from sea glass, and a handmade wooden clipboard, not to mention crocheted washcloths hat hold soap so much better than store bought wash cloths! Be sure to visit them on Facebook, as well.
47th Street Antiques 324 East Broad Street Suite 212 Griffin, Georgia Also located inside the Broad Street Mill, this little “Antique Boutique”, as it is affectionately called, is a gem to find on our Funky Junk Trail. Owner, Laurie, too started five years ago selling antiques and gifts in booths at other locations before deciding to open her own shop in its current location early in 2013. She offers her customers a great eclectic-mix of gifts and home décor such as handmade baskets made from bicycle chains, gears, tools, and more, metal signs handmade by her husband, Kerry, who uses old car tags to design word art, stars, and birdhouses, bath salts, as well as, antique furniture and home décor. Be sure and visit her Bath Cocktail Bar when you are there for some of the best bath salts, lotions, & skin products in the area. Oh and mark your calendars for December 14th because they along with others in the Broad Street Mill will be featured on the Tour of Homes and be sure to visit them on Facebook.
Sweet Southern Salvage 324 East Broad Street Suite 210 Griffin, Georgia Located inside the old Broad Street Mill, this sweet store has so much to offer the Funky Junk trailblazer with its many antique treasures. Owner, Brandy, has been in the “junkin” business for several years renting booths at other venues, but decided to open her own store in June 2013. In fact, she shared with us that she has always had a soul for older things and can remember collecting antiques as early as the age of fourteen. “The more rustic, the better,” she says. She offers customers great treasures such as light fixtures, antique artifacts, things for the “Man Cave” and décor for the garden. One of our favorite pieces, which we came home with, was a gorgeous red twotiered table at a very affordable price. Make sure you visit them on Facebook and become a fan. Lastly, make plans to visit them this Holiday Season and please tell them we sent you!
RubySlippers 324 East Broad Street Suite 238 Griffin, Georgia “There is no Place Like Home” and there is no place like RubySlippers also located in The Broad Street Mill. We found this little store to be extremely charming with all of its antique treasures, furniture, home décor items, gifts, and so much more. With its whimsical “Wizard of Oz” theme, you will find ruby slippers throughout their store adding a little sparkle to its charm. Owners, Angie and Lisa opened this little jewel of a shop in June of this year and have had a blast putting it all together. Some of our favorite finds during our visit included silver tea sets, an old cash register, a beautiful refurnished rocking chair, and so many antique treasures that would decorate any home beautifully. We are certain that you will be pleased with what they have to offer. For more information and photos, be sure to visit their webpage, www.rubyslippersvintiques.com and FaceBook and become a fan, just as we have become!
Eklektik Styles 324 East Broad Street Suite 232 Griffin, Georgia This store says it all in the name! Owner, Penny, opened her store in June of this year in the Broad Street Mill and she offers customers a definite eclectic mix of furniture, jewelry, gifts, and antique treasures. Some of our favorite finds we found on our visit were the refurnished antique furniture pieces and the home décor pieces that offer a southern flair. Penny also offers her customers a mineral chalk paint line made by Dixie Belle Paints with names such as Mint Julep, Dropcloth, Kudzu, Plum Crazy and Lemonade. It doesn’t get much more southern than that and we absolutely adored some of the projects that she has created with the paints. The Funky Junk Trailblazer is sure to be pleased as we were when visiting Eklektik Syles. Be sure and visit Facebook for additional photos and information and become a fan today.
Kelly & Company Antiques 1850 Highway 85S Suite B Fayetteville, Georgia
ROANOKE/ASHLAND/WEDOWEE
This store is sure to please with approximately 60 vendors, one will need to plan accordingly to ensure enough time to browse through this great Funky Junk Trail Shop. Owner, Kelly shared with us that she has been “junkin” all her life and that her mother instilled the love of the treasure hunt in her and now she truly understands the thrill that her mother found. She also shared with us with all of the movie & television productions going on in the area, how her store is becoming a prime spot for set managers to find that certain something they need in order to authenticate their scene. We are sure you will find something as well. Her vast mix of furniture, gifts, and antique collectibles is simply amazing and we are thrilled to have her on the Trail! Some of our favorite finds included a great table that is mounted on some kind of antique mechanism that allows it to raise up and down, an old typewriter, antique Hoosier cabinets, and so much more. Be sure to become a fan on Facebook and check out her website at www.kellyandcompanyantiques.com.
Corner Junque & Antique Mall 223 Main Street Dallas, Georgia If you haven’t been to Dallas, Georgia, you have to make plans to take a trip soon. This sweet little charming town left a lasting impression on me and I want everyone to know. We begin our stop on the trail at Corner Junque and Antique Mall. This store is a great place to find refurnished antique furniture, custom handcrafted benches, repurposed home décor and anything that fits their motto of “where the old becomes new.” One of our favorite finds was a old barn wood handcrafted piece that would make a great island in a kitchen, a great table is a larger foyer, or a great sideboard in a dining room. We also loved and old vintage suitcase that was repurposed into a table that serves as a great end table or bedside table that also doubles as a great place to store things. Owner, Narta, opened the store in September of 2013 and we are sure you will love what they have to offer. Be sure to visit them soon and on see them on Facebook, as well.
Art Things 217 Main Street Dallas, Georgia Next on our stop, we come to Art Things and this little store has such an artistic style that it is sure to please anyone. Owner, Lyn has been in the business for fifteen years now and she prides herself in offering her customers handcrafted items, gifts, and home décor that are produced by local artists. Some of the things that we immediately fell in love with are the wind chimes that are crafted to create the sounds of the church bells that can only be heard from Cathedrals in Europe. We can assure you that the sounds that they make are pure and will take you on a journey that you will certainly enjoy. We also found this to be the place for someone who loves handcrafted jewelry, the art of knitting or crocheting, painted canvasses, and so much more. The amount of detail and talent that we found in their handcrafted things is simply like no other. Make sure you visit them on Facebook and become a fan and visit their website, www.arthingsdallas.com as well for additional information and photographs. We assure you that you will be amazed!
Somewhere In Time Antiques 213 Main Street Dallas, Georgia Following along Main Street, we come to Somewhere In Time Antiques where husband and wife team, Robert and Tina have created a charming shop that truly is a step back in time. It was such a pleasure and a walk down memory lane for us. Seeing things like antique chicken feeders, old ringer washing machines, antique cash registers, and so many other artifacts and treasures from the past. Coming up on their 20th anniversary in business, they have strived to always provide customers with a wonderful and beautiful antique style that is sure to decorate anyone’s home with such an authentic vintage look and sure to please the treasure hunter. Some of our favorite things was seeing the different vignettes that took us back to long ago and reminded us of a different time and a different place. It was simply like going back to your grandmother’s house. While you are there be sure and see if you can find “Mr. Clooney” the cat who has greeted guests for the past seven years and brings another sense of home to the shop. Be sure to become a fan of Facebook!
The Craft Cottage 222 Main Street Dallas, Georgia Our last stop in Dallas on the Funky Junk Trail, ended at The Craft Cottage. Owner, Chris has been in business for thirty years and offers her customers a great variety of home décor, kitchen and dining pieces, cookbooks, candles, furniture, gifts, and so much more. As soon as you enter the door the fragrance makes you feel quite at home and invites you to browse through the shop taking a look at all that is available. Some of the favorites we found included an antique sterling silver trivet that is expandable, which one of our friends along for the ride immediately grabbed up to take home with her, the collection of cookbooks, the vintage Victorian style décor, and of course the shop’s mascot and family pet, Calli who can be found napping throughout the store on any given visit. In fact, Chris, currently has kittens that need a home if anyone is interested in adopting a kitten as a gift for the holidays. Be sure to visit her on Facebook for more information and photographs that we are sure will have you planning a trip to Dallas this holiday season.
Calhoun Pickers 801 Wilmer Avenue Anniston, Alabama Taking Interstate 20 back to Alabama the Trailblazer comes to Calhoun Pickers which is one of the largest shops on mapped on the Funky Junk Trail with approximately 150 vendors. Located in the old Kitchen’s building in downtown Anniston, this space offers the customer a great open airy feel to browse through the many booths. Make sure you plan accordingly, because you will need the time to make sure you see it all. We were please to find veteran Funky Junk Trail shop, Scavenger’s Emporium now located in this space as well as so many other great vendors that offer a plethora of antiques, furniture, fabrics, kitchen accessories, collectibles, handcrafted items, and so much that you just have to go and see it. Owner, Arminda, opened the store in March of 2014 and has done a tremendous job with the space that she has been given to utilize. Having been in the business for over eight years, she has an eye for treasures and once you enter, you will quickly become aware of the style and things she has to offer. Be sure to visit them on Facebook and make a trip there soon!
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION Birds of a Feather
1521 Greenbrier Dear Road Anniston, Alabama Just a couple of blocks away you will find this brand new shop that just opened August 31, 2014 by owner Lisa and friend Christie. Birds of a Feather is such a treat and we couldn’t wait to share it with you. Lisa, mother, Ann, and friend, Robin manage the shop each day and greet each customer with the most heart-felt welcome. We promise that you will leave with a full heart, as we did, each time we have visited. Along with the warm welcome, the treasures they have to offer are sure to please your heart, as well as, your eye. Some of our favorite finds were an antique typewriter table with folding sides, a lime green square lamp table that is sure to adorn any porch, family room, or bright bedroom, and the beautifully refurnished furniture. We found that the items are reasonably priced and ready to make your home or porch a bit brighter and definitely more heart-warming. Please make sure you visit them during the holiday season and please if they just need a little “pep-me-up” to brighten your day, this is the place to go!
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LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
Dallas
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WADLEY /WEDOWEE/ROANOKE
Dallas
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Painting Made Funky Junk Decor Story & Photos by Suzanne Fulford Suzanne Fulford of Dixie Belle Paint Company shares her tips on painting furniture and more with chalk mineral paint.
“Does chalk paint have magical powers?” That’s the question my daughter asked me as we were painting her bedroom set (which had been mine, many moons ago!) for her new tween room. “No”, I laughed, “no magic, here. As a matter of fact chalk paint has been around since the time of the cavewomen!” She gave me a puzzled look, but was too busy having fun painting her new bed to really care. Many people think chalk paint is a “new” kind of paint, when in reality it’s very, very old! This kind of makes sense seeing as, nowadays, with all the recycling and repurposing, everything old is new again and chalk paint is a very easy, peasy way to update pretty much anything and everything in your home. It’s also fabulous for taking those old, but beautiful and well made pieces and bringing them into this century. Let’s face it; furniture nowadays isn’t like stuff our grandparents had. I shudder to think at how much money we
spend on pressboard dressers, tables, chairs, etc. made of “real wood” which will be falling apart within 5 years, only to go out and buy the same type of poorly made furniture to have it fall apart again…….Stop the Madness!!! How about taking some of those well made, beautiful pieces and making them your own, in your own style. I love it when someone walks into my home and says “Oh, I love that, were did you buy it?” and my response is the thrift store down the street for $20! Just hope they don’t sue you for whiplash when they turn their head so quick it almost flies off their shoulders! The best part about chalk paint is its EASY! No sanding, No priming, No kidding! Chalk paint can be painted over raw wood, painted wood, metal, glass, plastic, concrete, fabric and yes even laminate (which can require a light sanding). It’s so simple that, yes, even my 12 year old can paint, not make a mess, and it looks great! Here are the steps: Clean your piece, regular soap and water is fine Get a small amount of paint on your brush (it’s very thick!) Paint Enjoy! If you like the distressed, shabby look, simply take some sandpaper, 150 – 180 grit is great, and go over the edges and high spots, wherever it would naturally be bumped and worn over time. Voila! You’ve got a great piece that looks fresh and clean, but old and worn at the same time! In the coming issues I’ll be going over painting, distressing, glazing and other techniques to change your old and tired furniture into one of a kind pieces that you can do on your own…..it’s Easy Peasy!
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ASHLAND/WEDOWEE/WADLEY
Circa
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Refinery
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Unconventional Trees
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At Southern Holiday Life Store and Décor, we made a Christmas Tree out of old cable spools. We wrapped two of them in burlap and added Christmas Lights. The topper is an old coat rack . Tammy Cross with Frog Level Funky made a Christmas Tree out of old barnwood and the base was her husband’s Papaw MCCains old water cooler. Frank Fetner at Two Guys and a Girl Attics to Antiques repurposed lampshades into a Christmas Tree. At Art Things in Dallas they made a Christmas Tree out of driftwood.
Send us Pictures of Your Unconventional Christmas Trees, at southernholidaylife@gmail.com
Card Tree
Story & Photos Kelly Genn
Tis the season for cards, cards, and more cards! There are photo cards, funny cards, shiny/ glittery cards, photos galore, etc. But where to put them all? I love displaying all of the cards we get through the holiday season. They just make me happy to look at but propping them up along the mantel or shelves can make things look a bit cluttered and messy. Here’s a fun way to display greetings from your friends and family. What You’ll Need: Four Wood Planks (varying sizes), Drill and Screws, Paint and Sponges, Wooden Clothespins, Decorative Tape, Glue 1. Arrange three of your planks along the length of the longest one and screw them in place. 2. Using a sponge, paint the three horizontal planks. I used three different hues to add some tree-like color and texture. 3. Cover the clothespins with the decorative tape. Then, once the paint has dried on the horizontal planks, glue the clothespins on. 4. Set it up and it’s ready for display!
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High Cotton
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Homemade Story & Photos Boo Hall
Things you’ll need : Burlap Cotton batting Brown paper (for pattern)
ModPodge Wire Ribbon Paint
Steps: Cut pattern out of brown paper Pin to burlap and cut out two of the shapes you choose Stuff with cotton batting ModPodge one side of the ornament and let dry overnight. Do the same for the other side. Paint face Attach wire hanger and bow Finally: Let your creative juices flow & create more ornaments for your friends and family! Enjoy
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LINEVILLE/ROANOKE
Holiday
Happy Story & Photos By Carmody Tisdale Hello all! I absolutely love the holidays. I am usually pretty simple when it comes to decorating, but I believe there are no rules and more is better when it comes to holiday decorations. There are all types of holiday decorations, but garland is one of my favorites. You can make almost anything into garland... any design… any color. It’s so perfect. Every mantle secretly dreams of wearing a garland. Seriously, it’s a fact. This year I am using kindergarten as inspiration for holiday garland. My oldest son just started
school this year and I wanted to create something that is festive, but could also be used as a learning tool. Materials Used for this Project Plastic Magnetic Letters Spray Paint(s) Mason Jar Lids Ribbon Drill I started this project with a bag full of plastic magnetic letters. You know, those letters that are supposed to be on your fridge, but you always seem to step on in the middle of the night. My first step was to spray-paint the
plastic letters with gold metallic spray paint. I am like a bug attracted to a lamp when it comes to metallic paint -- I can’t stay away. Make sure you select a spray paint that will bond to plastic. Allow the letters to dry and apply another coat of paint if needed. My next step was to use a drill to create small holes at the top of each mason jar lid. Then, I spray painted each lid dark gray. Once everything was completely dry, I simply strung the lids with red ribbon and draped the mantle on the wall. The beauty Southern Holiday Life 71
of this holiday garland is that you can change out the letters to make it spell different festive sayings. Simply place your magnetic letters on the mason lids. I chose “Be Merry”. Easy-peasy, my friends! Let your little ones practice their spelling list or display the countdown to Santa’s arrival with this garland. I hope you enjoy my Holiday Garland as much as I did creating it. For more crafty projects and clever ideas, please visit me at PaperandFox.com.
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Ornaments
Story & Photos By Amanda Henderson
When looking for Christmas crafts, I seek out those that are high on style and low on cost. This vintage paper ornament fits both of those criteria, making a big impact in your holiday decor without making a big impact on your wallet.
Embellishments such as buttons, glitter, stickers, or scrapbook accessories
Now, hot glue your larger cones to the outer edge of the cardboard base about a half inch in. Once you have a complete circle, repeat the process with the smaller cones, gluing toward the center of the base. Now you are ready to embellish. Cut a small circle of paper to cover the center of the ornament. You can add glitter, buttons, a sticker, whatever you wish! Make it your own. I used a small circle of paper, a black sticker, and a glittery cardboard letter to embellish mine.
I love juxtaposition in design, and decorating for Christmas is no exception to that. Pairing the aged paper ornament with glittery golds brings just the right amount of contrast into the holiday decor. New and old meet, making for a delightfully impactful holiday palette. Gather your supplies: Cardboard Hot glue gun and glue sticks Vintage paper or sheet music. (If you can't find vintage paper, use pretty patterned scrapbook paper.) Scissors Tape Twine or ribbon.
sizes; 2 1/4 inches by 3 inches, and 4 1/2 inches by 3 inches. Then, roll your rectangles into cones and secure with tape.
Start by cutting a circle out of your cardboard, measuring three and a half inches in diameter. (Empty cereal boxes work great.) This will be your base. Next, cut rectangles out of your vintage paper. You will need two
The last step is to hot glue a small loop of twine or ribbon to the back of the ornament and hang it on your tree. Now you have a beautiful, inexpensive ornament to enjoy all season long.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
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AUBURN OPELIKA
Gifts made Recipe by Granny Eris Quick and Easy Peanut Brittle l cup sugar dash of salt l/2 cup of white or dark Karo syrup l teaspoon vanilla
l cup of raw peanuts l rounded tsp. baking soda l l/2 teaspoon margarine
Use a large microwave container, one that pours is good. Combine sugar and syrup in bowl; cook on high 4 minutes. Add peanuts; stir and cook on high 4 minutes. Add margarine, salt and vanilla; stir and cook on high 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from micro-wave and add baking soda. Stir until light and foamy. Quickly pour onto greased cookie sheet. DO NOT SPREAD WITH SPOON, it will take the air out of the candy. Let cool and break into pieces.
Dr. Stewart
Baking
Joys of Story & Photos By Amanda Henderson Each Christmas, I look forward to the nuances of the season; a Christmas carol sung in a church service, a gift given in secret, a plate full of Christmas cookies to take to neighbors. It's amazing how a season can bring to the surface memories of years past. I fondly remember both of my grandmothers making special treats each year. One of my all-time favorite holiday treats is my
granny's Red Velvet cake. As a girl, I always looked forward to getting a piece of the delectable cake at our family gathering. Now, as an adult, I make the recipe for my family. Maybe one day I will bake it for my grandchildren just like my granny has baked for hers. I know we are all biased when it comes to our grandmothers and
their amazing cooking. Often, we tend to enjoy dishes we were brought up eating. And maybe I am a little partial when I say that this is the absolute best Red Velvet recipe I have ever tasted. You see, this recipe is more than just a cake mix, red food coloring, and some eggs. Its a memory, a tangible thing to hold on to. It's difficult to bake this cake without thinking of how my granny Southern Holiday Life 81
always sat (and still does sit) at her kitchen table, cutting her pecans for this recipe by hand so that they all would be just the size she wanted. Each Christmas, when I share it with friends, I can't help but think that I am sharing a little bit of my granny as well. For me, this Red Velvet recipe will always be synonymous with my granny, and each time I bake it, I will always think of her. Granny's Red Velvet Cake 1 box Duncan Hines Butter Recipe cake mix 1 Tbsp cocoa 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup buttermilk 1 bottle of red food coloring 1 stick of butter 3 eggs 1 tsp baking soda 1 Tbsp vinegar Mix cake mix and cocoa together. Then, add vanilla, buttermilk, food coloring, butter, and eggs. Blend well until moist. Add baking soda and vinegar. Beat the mixture for four minutes. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes. Makes three layers. Cream Cheese Pecan Frosting 1 stick of butter 1 8oz. cream cheese 1 box of powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1 cup chopped pecans Soften butter and cream cheese. Cream well. Add sugar, vanilla, and nuts. Spread on cake after completely cooled.
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Keeping
Traditions
The kitchen's the coziest place that I know; The kettle is singing, the stove is aglow, And there in the twilight, how jolly to see The cocoa and animals waiting for me. From the poem, Animal Crackers, by Christopher Morley Baking cookies stacks up as one of the ten best things about the holidays. A warm home with butter and sugar floating in the air can’t be beat. The cookie, a small creation that evolved from a Persian test cake in the 1500’s, symbolizes a treat, a gift, and a luxury we often take for granted. When my three daughters were little we created a tradition: The first week of December, around St. Nicholas Day, December 6th, we would host a cookie decorating party that included a herd of their friends, and included their mothers. We lined up big tables with butcher paper on them and set out bowls and bowls of frosting—red, green, blue, yellow, even pink. At the end of each table after each guest completed the frosting section, containers twinkled with lots of candies from red hot’s, to MM’s, marshmallows, you name it. We had rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, and tons of red glitter sugar. Each guest decorated a plate of cookies to take home, and enough sugar to miss school the next day. It would take me a week to clean up. Sometimes I would find a stray red hot under the couch in March. But every year, we looked forward to our event, where our guests were encouraged to wear an old t-shirt you could get stained with red or green frosting, and eat as much sugar as you could stand. As the years went by, and life
demographics changed, we were soon trying to figure out ways to merge the holidays as a blended family. Kids were in college or high school, and each family member had commitments from work to academics. My husband had boys, who loved Christmas for the food, and I had girls who loved Christmas to celebrate Jesus’s birthday, the parties, the decorations, the tree, the whole enchilada, but sprinkled with lots of red sugar. We still hosted our annual cookie party, but instead of being a female activity, it expanded to in-
Holiday Entertaining Story & Photos by Tricia Stearns clude my husband, his boys, and their girlfriends. And my daughters included their closest of friends,
adding boyfriends, husbands, anyone who they wanted to see when they were home for the holidays— we had a college professor pop over after running into one of my girls at the grocery store. How did we transcend a very juvenile activity of cookie decorating into an annual family tradition that people set their calendar around? How did we get reluctant teens to consistently attend a simple, messy party that transcends age, gender, and artistic talent? By providing three key ingredients: Great food. We put on the biggest pot roast the crock-pot can hold, and have plenty of sides, chips, dips, and a cooler of beer and wine. We have a friendly but ever growing competition of the best cookie…complete with bragging rights and a money prize. We also have an open door policy so anyone who happens to be with you can
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join in the fun. My husband has become the chief baker of the sugar cookies that we decorate. I make the dough, and he patiently and diligently cuts out the cookies, while I prepare the frosting, and the rest of the meal. Adult children bring dips, and veggie sides. My husband bakes over 100 cookies. It takes us a day to get ready and two days to recover, but the essence of the holiday’s start and end for our family with the cookie party. Sometimes we have too many cookies left over, so we package them up and take them to the local hospital to share with those who are working, and patients if allowed. What I have learned is that there is a kid in all of us—and many of us work real hard to forget that we were once kids. I look forward to creating an evening that is simple, and fun on the most basic level: just decorating a cookie. Just one. And by doing so, even the crustiest soul can take a moment to be young at heart. Food on the most basic level equalizes us all. When you sit at a table and share, and start with what you have in common, which in this case is your decorating skills, lots of interesting conversations pop up, along with sharing new insights, which enhances a common ground 86 Southern Holiday Life
that paves the way for understanding—always a plus in a big complicated family. The holidays give us the opportunity to come together, and reminds us that like it or not, we are family. Creating a tradition whether big or small becomes the thread that holds the fabric of each family together—even as the family changes, and grows. The tradition keeps the good years a blessing, and holds the family together through the sad events such as a sickness, a job loss, or death of a dear family member. And sometimes winning the best-decorated cookie is just what a family member needed, along with a home cooked meal, and lots of hugs. And as the Christmas Day approaches, I drive here and there and love to see wreaths hanging on the doors and twinkle lights glimmer from trees through our southern homes. My mind circles back to many of the cookie parties and I am comforted with those memories. And when I look at a charming home sitting off the road, I wonder what tradition is important to the family that lives in that home. I imagine another lady mixing, baking, and decorating cookies stacked up on the kitchen counter. Ready to share a bit of her family’s
history as well as her own heart as she bakes for those she loves. Each night falls quickly now as I drive home at twilight; I see a quick step of frantic folks rushing to arrive home before dark. There is a difference between winter dark and summer dark. For some reason we all want to be home in the warmth of our hearth and home. A rush to beat the sun, to plug in the yard lights, the Christmas tree lights, and just enjoy being home. I want to sip a cup of tea and have a cookie, stare at my Christmas tree before I start dinner. I am comforted to know the cookie, always welcomes a stranger to friendship. The cookie, mends a broken heart. The cookie says it cares. The cookie bridges the afternoon to the evening: from cookies and milk after school, to cookies and tea before dinner. Cookies give us a moment to slow down and think about times past. And I look forward to something. My family and our friends, and their friends crowded around a messy table with bowls of frosting being passed while folks laugh, compete, even cry, but all know everyone there cares for each other, and cares even more about cookies.
Party with a
Story and Photos by Amanda Henderson
When planning a holiday girl's night, I like to do something fun and funky. It is easy to imagine all of my girlfriends sitting around the table, talking and laughing while enjoying a delicious meal. Keeping that in mind, I love adding a little whimsy to the tablescape to help foster an inviting atmosphere where guests feel at home and are able to relax. Keeping the event casual while maintaining some of the wow factor is a must. Here are some tips for executing your own tablescape for a memorable holiday girl's night: Do something unexpected. Traditionally, black and white aren't used as holiday colors, but when paired with lime green, and accented with Christmas ornaments and evergreen sprigs, it instantly becomes holiday worthy. Keep the color palette simple. Using only black, white, and lime green makes more of an impact than if reds or other colors are added. In this instance, by keeping the scheme to only two or three colors helps to draw the eye to all the details. Keep it causal. Casual doesn't have to be drab to be fab. Use mason jars and paper straws instead of water goblets. In lieu of a full array of silverware, only place a fork and spoon. Pay attention to detail. Make your guests feel special by using a favor box that doubles as a place card. Your guests will be delighted at your thoughtfulness and excited to take home a me90 Southern Holiday Life
mento from the occasion. These favor boxes were outfitted with a chalkboard label, tied with striped ribbon, and adorned with a lime green flower and a sprig of evergreen. Repeat patterns and colors. Here, the black and white stripes are repeated in the table runner and the ribbon on the favor boxes. The lime green is picked up in the flower arrangements, the ornament centerpiece, the napkins, and the satin ribbon that ties the silverware. The black and white theme is carried on with the black, wooden plate chargers, and simple white plates. Repeating elements within a design is crucial for an overall cohesive look. Enjoy! You did all of the work beforehand. Now you can gab with the girls and enjoy your dressy casual girl's night, making memories that last a lifetime.
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Fashions
Simple The holidays are approaching fast, so it’s time to start preparing for the festivities. You can be prepared without breaking your budget if you have some holiday essentials in your closet that are ready-to-go for whatever event comes your way. Here’s our list of items to check for and pick up along the way if they are missing from your closet right now… Keep it Classy Everyone needs a LBD (little black dress) in their closet, but the holidays are the time to spice up the classic LBD. Dress it up with a sparkly scarf, a beaded shawl, or a sequin jacket…and don’t forget the statement jewelry piece that you’ve picked up for the holiday season! Sassy in Sequins 92 Southern Holiday Life
Holiday Fashion By Stacie Money Sequins don’t have to be over-thetop. There are many different options to dress up your outfit with sequins to holiday standards. Try a sequin dress or skirt for a glamorous evening, or just dress up a pant or jean outfit with a sequin trimmed tank, cardigan, or jacket. Lady in Red
Keep a flattering red dress in your closet for an occasion when your LBD just isn’t festive enough. A gorgeous red dress will brighten your mood and your wardrobe and is easy to accessorize with silver statement jewelry, heels, and a clutch. All that Glitters For the more casual holiday outing, keep a glittery and glamorous T-shirt in your holiday collection. Your favorite jeans (that look fantastic on you) or pair of basic black pants with your holiday heels is all you will need to be ready! Dressed-up Sweater The holiday season calls for an amazing cashmere or merino wool sweater to throw over your shoulders on a chilly evening. This fashion sta-
Little black Dress
Nathan and Clair
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ple will add a touch of elegance…or a glitzy flare if your sweater is trimmed out with rhinestones or sequins. Metallic Show Stoppers A pair of strappy sandal heels in your favorite metallic hue (silver, gold, bronze) is a must. They will work with most any of the holiday fashion staples already mentioned. Make sure you have a clutch in the same hue and this pairing will get you through Christmas and New Year’s events. Last, but not Least You never know when you’ll be invited to a Christmas sweater party, so be on the lookout for the most fun, sparkly, and tacky Christmas sweater you can find. These parties are so popular that we can’t keep these sweaters in stock during the holiday season – the tackier, the better. Wear it With Your Own Style Whatever you choose to wear this holiday season and however you choose to show off your holiday style do it with confidence! Some of these suggestions will work for you and others may not be “you”, so make it your own style with your own unique touches! Fringe is unique in that it carries hundreds of brands in hundreds of styles which makes it easy for our shoppers to find something that is just right for them…whether it be elegant, bohemian, flirty, feminine, or bold they are looking for. Come see what you can find to spruce up your holiday fashion collection!
A Few of our I know everyone has heard of a certain celebrity’s “favorite things” and how she would give away her favorite things during the taping of her special Christmas show each year. It was like winning the lottery to be in the studio audience on those particular days. I certainly remember watching the day she gave away the cars to everyone…. “you get a car, you get a car, you get a car” and the audience went wild. Well, Southern Holiday Life also has some favorite things that we want to share. We may not be giving away any cars but we can let you in on a few Southern brands we think you will find delightful.
cured for no less than 6 weeks. Since they are cured longer they will last longer and once you begin to us them you want them to last forever! Country Junction Soaps is currently sold through their website, www.CountryJunctionSoaps.net, the Peachtree City Farmers Market, Southern Holiday Life Store & Décor in Wedowee and at various festivals and other retailers in West Georgia.
Country Junction Soaps Country Junction Soaps is made on 109 acre farm in Alvaton, Ga by the mother and daughter team of Sandy Hurlbutt and Heather Medina. Their goat’s milk soap is made with 100% fresh goat’s milk from their own Nubian goats. Goat milk moisturizes your skin and adds much needed protein, minerals, alpha hydroxyl acids and vitamins A and D. Our editor, Kelly, has been using the soap for over month now and can really tell a difference in her skin. It is much softer with no irritations. All the bars are handmade and
Fox Point Farm - Goat Milk Caramels Fox Point Farm located in Kellyton, Ala. is the place that Patrick and Christie Jamison make their incredible goat milk caramels and raise their five precious children. One taste of these wonderful little candies will have you craving more and more. The richness of the goat milk creates a smooth candy that literally melts in your mouth. Just in time for the holidays they have created seasonal flavors including Pumpkin Patch Goat Milk Caramels and Red Velvet Goat Milk Caramels, this along with their main flavors of Salted Vanilla, Café` Latte and Chai Spice gives several choices for gift giving. My personal favorite is the Café` Latte with just a hint of coffee flavor. The Jamison’s just recently started their production of the cara-
Things mels and already has a large following. You can find them at the Alex City Farmers Market, Festivals and Events in East Alabama and West Georgia and oh yea…. At the Southern Holiday Life Store & Décor in Wedowee, Alabama and soon to offer ordering and shipping from www.TheFoxPointFarm.com
Hot Damn Jelly Company The Hot Damn Jelly Company is a one woman show that has truly impressed us with her passion and unique brand in the pepper jelly world. Jessi Norwood makes her soon to be famous pepper jelly in Auburn, Ala. and it all started when she was exposed to a flavorful sweet and spicy concoction at a friend’s engagement party in 2010. In her research, Jessi quickly learned that not all pepper jelly is created equally. After much research and testing, she came up with the perfect batch. Hot Damn Jelly is hand packed in small batches, full of peppers and includes only the freshest local ingredients. Who knew I would like pepper jelly? I didn’t know because I don’t normally like spicy food, but let me tell you the subtle spiciness with the fresh fruit flavor mixed with cream cheese on a wheat cracker is delightful. It is the perfect appetizer. Multiple pepper jelly flavors can be ordered on the website including seasonal flavors at www.HotDamnJelly.com, Festivals
and Events, multiple gift shops in the Opelika and Auburn area and of course we are thrilled to have many flavors at Southern Holiday Life Store & Décor in Wedowee. *** At Southern Holiday Life we love distressed furniture with chalk paint finishes. In our travels we have found and tested two great Southern Chalk Paint companies that fit the bill to give a great chalk paint finish to all your painting projects!
Websters Chalk Paint Powder
It is a paint that sticks beautifully yet sands smooth. It is a durable surface that is also “soft”. I recently used Websters to create a custom color for a table. It was easy to mix with the latex paint and easy to apply. As suggested I used the Fiddes & Sons Wax. The wax softened the look, added character to the table, dried fast and protected the surface. I was very satisfied with paint and wax. Websters Chalk Paint Powder and the Fiddes & Sons Wax can be purchased through the website, www.WebstersChalkPaintPowder.c om at Rockin’ B Antiques in Newnan, Ga. and other retailers in the US. See website to find stores in your area.
shade. I picked the shabby chic color, Drop Cloth for my painting Websters Chalk Paint Powder™ project. The paint covered the was created in Newnan, Georgia. It wood and brass part of the lamp in is an answer for affordable chalk one coat. It dried very quickly. I paint that lightly sanded it to give a distressed can be cuslook and then clear coated the lamp tomized to to protect the finish. The blue lamp Dixie Belle any color. shade took 2 coats of paint and Paint Company Months turned out great with no water lines Dixie Belle Paint Company is loand showing through the painted surcated in Land o Lakes, Fla. and has a months of face. I was thrilled with turning my line of beautiful chalk mineral paint research $5 thrift store purchase into somein 27 designer colors, several glazes went into thing that looks so good in my and clear coat products that are creating a home. “easy peasy” to use. Dixie Belle product Dixie Belle Paint can be purPaint can be used on wood metal, that could chased online at laminate, glass, ceramic; you name be added www.DixieBellePaint.com, Southern it, with no prep work! All water to regular Holiday Life Store & Décor in Webased with soap and water cleanup. latex paint ~any brand, any color. dowee, Eklektik Styles in Griffin Ga. I recently used Dixie Belle Paint Websters is a healthy, all natural aland other retail location in the US. on an old lamp purchased at the ternative to the homemade recipes Check website to find local retailers thrift store and an old blue lamp for chalk paint. It eliminates the in your area. need for most sanding and priming. shade that had water marks on the
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Christmas
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Story & Photos by Tracy Carpenter
Christmas time is fast approaching and as adults we can easily forget the wonder and anticipation of the lights, the decorations, and the excitement of having our material wishes fulfilled. The Christmas holiday season is nothing short of magical, especially for families with small children in the household. When I was a child, the magic of Christmas began on the day the new Christmas catalog arrived in the mail. I could hardly wait to sit with it and pour over it’s colorful pages to make my mental wish list. I got to relive that excitement when the boys started devouring every page and dreaming about what Santa might bring them. Small children give Christmas a warm and joyful energy. This year there will be a little more of that warm, joyful energy felt as we welcome my first grandchild, Logan Riley Carpenter into the family. Logan was born in early August. We are all excited to view Christmas through the eyes of a child again. Doing so will bring back the simple pleasures of life and maybe some new traditions. We don’t have many traditions on Christmas Day. The day is pretty relaxed and we just go with the flow. There is, however, one tradition for the day that we never miss and that’s a big breakfast! We have every intention of passing this tradition on to Logan and from how much I have seen him eat, he’s going to fit right in with the rest of the Carpenter boys. On Christmas morning, I am not exactly sure what most people eat for breakfast, but the day has to start somehow. I mean, digging through stockings and unwrapping presents can’t be done on an empty stomach and it's Christmas, so it had better be special. That means no bowls of cold cereal or thin slices of toast. I always make the traditional scrambled eggs, bacon, silver dollar pancakes, grits and jelly toast. However, each year I like to try one new dish to create a memorable Christmas. I’d like to share some of our favorite recipes we’ve had through the years -- homemade cinnamon rolls, hash brown casserole, sausage pinwheels,
cheesy garlic grits, cheese bacon and onion quiche, and orange scones, blueberry sauce and homemade honey butter. It’s my hope that your Christmas traditions will create magical memories that will last a lifetime. Remember to view them through the eyes of a child because doing so, the magic stays eternal.
Orange Scones 2 cups flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 cup white sugar Zest of 1 orange Pinch of salt 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 1/4 cup sour cream 2 eggs 1 tablespoon milk Preheat oven to 400. In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and orange zest. Add the butter using a pastry tool, or you can use your hands, mix until the mixture is crumbly with pea-sized chunks. Stir in the orange juice, 1 egg and sour cream until just blended. Do not over mix or it will result in tough scones. Form dough into a ball on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Pat out to half an inch in thickness and eight inches in diameter. Cut into eight equally-sized pieces. Whisk together the remaining egg and milk then brush over the top of the scones. Let scones rest for 10 minutes before baking. Bake for 12 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned. Cool until room temperature before glazing.
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Orange Glaze 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1-1/2-2 tablespoon orange juice zest from 1 orange In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. If too thick, add more orange juice until it is smooth. Drizzle lightly over scones.
Cheese, Bacon, and Onion Quiche 1 unbaked pie crust, (roll out crust) 6 Slices cooked bacon, broken up 1 small onion, chopped 3 eggs 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 cup Swiss Cheese 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper
ing it to a boil. Melt butter in a small skillet. Add garlic to the melted butter. Remove and set aside. Just as the water is about to boil, turn down to medium and stir in the cream. Add the salt, and then slowly add in the grits, stirring constantly the entire time you are adding them in. When the grits begin to bubble, Line quiche pan with pie crust. turn heat down to a medium low Place broken up bacon in bottom of simmer, and continue cooking, stirpie crust. Saute onion in bacon fat ring often, until mixture is thickened until lightly browned. Drain off fat. and creamy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in eggs, milk, Add the garlic and butter and stir cream, cheese and seasonings. Pour in the cheese. Cook the grits only into pastry lined pan on top of balong enough for the cheese to melt. con. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or Taste and adjust seasoning. until a knife comes out clean.
Cheesy Garlic Grits 4 cups water 2 tablespoons butter 3/4 teaspoons garlic powder 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup uncooked quick grits 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Additional salt and pepper, as needed Instructions Put water on stove to start brin102 Southern Holiday Life
Sausage Pinwheels 1 pound sausage roll at room temperature 1 can crescent roll dough 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
and roll the dough lengthwise to form a long roll. Wrap in the plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350. Using a serrated knife, cut dough into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place on ungreased baking sheet or parchment paper. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through. Drain off any juices. Serve hot.
Hash Brown Casserole 32 oz Frozen Hash Browns shredded or cubed ½ cup butter, melted 1 can Cream of Chicken soup 1 pint of sour cream ½ cup chopped onion 2 cups of shredded cheese ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions Preheat your oven to 350. Mix together the butter, soup, sour Instructions cream, onion, cheese and pepper Remove the crescent roll dough from the can. Do not separate rolls. until well blended. Add hash Pinch the triangles together and then browns and mix well. Spoon into a pinch the rectangles together to form 9x13 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake uncovered at a long rectangle. Carefully spread 350 for 45 minutes. the uncooked sausage in an even layer over the dough. Add cheese
Blueberry Sauce 3 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen 1 cup water ½ cup sugar 1½ tablespoons cornstarch dissolved into 3 tablespoons water ½ teaspoon vanilla 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Place 1½ cups blueberries in a small saucepan. Cover with water and add sugar and lemon juice. Heat over medium-high heat until mixture comes to a low boil and blueberries just start to break apart. Slowly add dissolved cornstarch to saucepan and bring mixture to a Glaze rolling boil. Turn heat down and simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, 2 cups sugar or until sauce reaches desired con2 sticks butter, melted sistency. Add water, one tablespoon 4-5 teaspoons cinnamon at a time, if the sauce gets too thick. mix all glaze ingredients together Sauce is thick enough once it coats the back of a metal spoon. Remove Icing from heat. Add remaining blueberries and vanilla and stir gently. 3 cups of powdered sugar Serve warm or cold over pancakes, 1/2 stick butter, at room temperafrench toast or biscuits or even ice ture cream. 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup sour cream or 4 oz softened Cinnamon Rolls cream cheese Instructions 2 packs dry yeast Mix all icing ingredients together 7 cups all purpose flour Grease pan. Combine yeast and 2-1/2 cups milk flour. Heat milk, sugar, shortening, 1/2 cup sugar and salt until shortening is melted. 1/2 cup shortening Add to dry ingredients. Add eggs. 2 eggs Stir. Cover and let rise in greased pan or bowl for 1-1/2 hours. Put on floured surface and knead until you
can roll it out. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half in a rectangle 1/4 inch thick. Spread glaze on each rectangle. Roll and cut into 1 inch slices. Put in greased pan or on parchment paper. Let rise for 1 hour. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and top with icing.
Homemade Butter 2 cups heavy whipping cream salt Honey Instructions Pour cream into a food processor, blender or mixer with the wire whisk attachment. Process until the butter separates. Drain the liquid off. Season to taste with salt or honey if you’d like.
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It’s hard to not like a holiday classic. It’s a universal tradition that brings us back to the child-like wonders we had growing up, and movies can certainly leave us with lasting impressions when viewed. Whether you’re glued to your TV’s for ABC’s 25 Days of Christmas, popping in your favorite holiday disc at home or seeing a brand new holiday film in theaters (Robin Williams has a new comedy titled “A Merry Friggin’ Christmas”), take a little time to enjoy some of my favorites as well as yours. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays :-)
Favorites Holiday Entertaining by Andy Petty
REINDEER GAMES - Ben Affleck has gone from background player obscurity to Academy Award winning writer to A-list Hollywood status and leading man, only to drift into tabloid gossip frenzy and box office poison. A perfect example of a star rebranding his image and star status, he stepped away from the spotlights for a good number of years, explored a new venture behind the scenes in the directors chair and ended up creating three amazing films, one of which winning best picture of the year. With another Academy Award win under his belt and “Gone Girl,” one of the biggest adult blockbusters in recent memory, love him or hate him, he’s staked his claim in Hollywood forever. That makes him cool and relevant again, right? Regardless, 104 Southern Holiday Life
“Reindeer Games” is one of his more obscure films of his career that didn’t leave a lasting impression with audiences, but I truly believe is one of the best underrated thrillers of the last decade. It’s dark, violent and edgy, not something you would expect to enjoy during Santa season, but I beg to differ. Affleck plays Rudy Duncan, an inmate who has been sharing a cell with Nick. They have become friends over time and Rudy enjoys hearing about Nick’s new pin-pal girl he’s been looking forward to seeing once released. However, two days before their release from prison, Nick is killed in a random fight. On his release day, Rudy notices the girl waiting for Nick’s face to appear, only to have a slight mixture of sincerity and jealousy, so he claims to be Nick, his dead cellmate to get with the beautiful stranger. First mistakes lead to many mistakes when he quickly learns that Nick isn’t the nice guy he thought he knew in prison, and now Rudy must try and stay one step ahead of the “reindeer games” he has fallen prey to. Directed by the masterful and late John Frankenheimer, whose career spans from
1957 to 2002 with classics like “The Manchurian Candidate” and “Grand Prix,” this is a great swan song to his filmography that mastered the dark and twisted heroes and antiheroes alike in his long career of action and suspenseful films. With a cast of Santa-dressed killers and thieves that include Affleck, Gary Sinise, Charlize Theron and Dennis Farina, you’ll have one dark ride with characters that deserve coal in their stockings this Xmas. MICKEY’S ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS - To be the icon of the Walt Disney brand, it’s kind of mind-blowing that Mickey Mouse does not have his own theatrical film series. He’s been in short films released throughout his existence, but never a movie centered around an icon that is possibly more known than Santa Claus. So although he’s not the main star of the show, Mickey Mouse presents a series of three short animated films centered around the most magical time of the year in “Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas.” I grew up on the classic shorts with Mickey and the gang and it was clear that this was a throwback to those classic films of yesteryear. Our first story revolves around Huey, Dewey and Louie waking up on Christmas morning and spoiling all the traditions for the rest of the family. The boys want the day to last forever and evidently get
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way more than they bargain for when Christmas repeats every day. Turning that one special day into a never-ending nightmare quickly helps the boys learn that Christmas is more than gifts, food and fun. They realize it's about family, feelings and memories that last a lifetime. A special message we can all live by. Our next tale is centered around Goofy and Max and the lengths a father will go for his son's happiness. Max becomes upset after seeing his father play Santa and sadly thinks he doesn’t exist anymore. Father of the year Goofy must now stop at nothing to prove to Max that Santa exists, even if it means finding out that he may not. Now Max must show his dad that regardless of Santa Claus’s existence, there is nothing more sacred than a father and son’s bond and ultimately learning a whole new meaning to Christmas. Lastly is our iconic Mickey
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Mouse’s chance to shine with a play on "The Gift of the Magi.” It’s Christmas time and Mickey wants to get something special for Minnie, as does Minnie for Mickey. They both put in overtime at their jobs to save up for a gift they know will mean something extra. However, Mickey is suddenly fired from his job and Minnie didn’t receive the bonus she expected. As “The Gift of the Magi” goes, they both sacrifice something to buy one another this gift, even though this new gift was for what they sacrificed. An excellent message for kids and adults alike, it’s in the thought that truly counts when gifting. Narrated by Kelsey Grammer and featuring all of your favorite classic Disney characters, this is one film you will want to add to your collection. Check out the 15th Anniversary Blu-ray coming to stores this holiday season. HOME ALONE - Home Alone is
now a holiday classic that families continue to enjoy yearly to this day, but what surprises me most is how this little film became the highest grossing comedy of all time. On paper it seems really simple and formulaic. A boy gets left home alone during the holidays and has the time of his life in a big house to do whatever he wants, with the only twist being two bumbling thieves trying to break into his house while the family is away on holiday vacation. That is until you throw in a master comedic director (Chris Columbus) and a handful of masterful comedic actors (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy) and you can turn simple and formulaic into comedy gold. Oh and one up-and-coming little kid who can carry an entire movie, Mr. Macauley Culkin. When your film is centered around a kid that must physically, emotionally and
creatively make you feel for him through his experiences, and your choice is spot on, that stakes your claim in film history forever. Not only did it open #1 at the box office, but it stayed #1 for 12 consecutive weeks. It also remained in the top ten charts until after Easter holiday. I have to admit, I thought it was the most amazing movie ever made in it’s day. And although I was only 7 years old at the time of it’s release, apparently I wasn’t the only one. Overnight, Macauley Culkin became a leading actor and although was type-cast in the same round-about roles (Richie Rich, Getting Even With Dad and Home Alone’s very own sequel, Lost In New York), he still remains America’s lovable kid that we have laughed with for so many years. This Christmas, share this with your kids or yourself again, (even if it’s for the 1,000th time), be-
cause it is a true classic. WHITE CHRISTMAS - I’m a huge lover of film. I have a small list of films that I will make time for whenever I see them on, but otherwise I feel like once I’ve seen something already, there is so much more out there that I haven’t seen. I’m such a weirdo that if I ever feel like watching a particular movie again I will instead seek out something that was released around the same time or in the same genre even for that particular title. But come Christmas, the majority of that handful of films consists of holiday movies. One in particular being “White Christmas.” A film that like “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street,” always finds itself relevant to today’s audiences. War buddies turned Broadway musical acts, Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye have just met stage performers/singer sisters Rosemary
Clooney and Vera-Ellen at a nightclub in Miami. The two couples hit it off in a comical way and through random mishaps end up boarding a train to Vermont where Clooney and Ellen have a show booked for the holidays. Unfortunately for the sisters, there isn’t a single flake of snow and the tourism is down. Looking to impress the sisters and their longtime friend and commander Major Waverly (played by Dean Jagger), who also owns the Inn where the girls are booked, Crosby and Kaye decide to team up with the girls and bring some much needed guests to the show to help all involved. Comedic mishaps, child-like romantic adventures and dramatic turns of events make this one, some 60 years later, an American classic. If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor and check this one out this Christmas season.
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Where in the
In the South, we like unique ways to decorate our buildings, towns or businesses. While driving around Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee for this issue, Andy Petty captured images throughout. Submit your answers to us via email at southernholidaylife@gmail.com or send us a message through Facebook at facebook.com/southernholidaylife. Of all the correct entries (because we know how smart y’all are), we will pick a winner for a Southern Holiday Life prize! Happy Guessing!!! 108 Southern Holiday Life
South is that?
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Story & Photo by Kelly Caldwell
Give the Gift of Food this Christmas In the South there are few things we like more than food. Most of our gatherings revolve around food... Football games aren't the same without a full spread for tailgating (even if you are watching at home) and we can create a holiday just to be able to eat. (Hello... Fourth Sunday in May/ Dinner on the Grounds at any number of country churches here in Alabama.) And considering it is the holiday season, the only thing we like better than the food itself is how to make it. How many times, have you been to a party and said "Sugah, I just must have the recipe." Or, you are like me that while I may not cook as often as I should, I have a bookcase full of cook-
books and will buy another to add to my collection faster than Smokey and the Bandit will drive to Texarkana, Arkansas. So needless to say, when approached about offering my opinion on a few cookbooks, I jumped at the opportunity.
until this summer, I had never fried okra. I have eaten my weight in it over the years, but when my mom tasked me with frying the okra for my dad's birthday dinner... I thought I had it all figured out... WRONG!!! After burning the first batch because the oil was too hot, I barely had enough okra to feed our group... I could have It's So Easy... Family Favorite saved myself a few tears and a lot of Recipes frustration if I had this cookbook beBy Krista Griffin fore that birthday dinner... (On a side The title of this cookbook does not note though... Next time you fry okra disappoint! This is a collection of easy add some diced tomatoes and onions to understand, simple to make recipes to the mix... ) Krista has other simple with ingredients that you can easily recipes every Southerner should find in the smallest of grocery stores. know like Poppy Seed Chicken CasseIt is also perfect for novice cooks like role, Salmon Patties, Old Fashioned myself. This may sound crazy, but Lemonade and of course Buttermilk
Biscuits. Christmas Punch 3 Cups Sugar 2 cups boiling water 2 packs strawberry Kool-Aid drink mix 1 large can pineapple juice 1 cup lemon juice In a gallon jug, dissolve sugar in water. Mix remaining ingredients. Add enough water to fill rest of gallon. Chill.
cookbook. What is also neat about Webster's collection of 300 recipes is that it is organized by season... fall, winter, spring and summer. It also has the fixin's to go along with the wild game recipe. I am not much of a hunter but I can appreciate fried wild turkey with the best of them! Webster also includes stories about his adventures that are sure to entertain.
Wild Turkey Breakfast 1 wild turkey breast Alabama Back Road Restaurant Recipes 1/2 cup flour by Anita Musgrove Salt and Pepper If you are like me... You like lists and more importantly 1/2 cup buttermilk you like to cross things off your list. Well this cookbook 1/4 cup each oil and real butter serves as a bucket list of restaurants in Alabama. And the Cut turkey breast into 1-inch wide slices. Mix flour, salt best part... If you can't make it there in person, you can and pepper in a paper bag. Dip turkey strips in butterrecreate some of the special recipes in your own home. milk; add to bag and shake to cover. Heat oil and butter Anita Musgrove grew up in Bessemer and she did a great and fry until brown. Serve with brown gravy, biscuits, job including as many restaurants as possible in this colsorghum molasses, sliced tomato and coffee. lection. I can honestly say I have been to several, but after reading this cookbook, I know of several more than I can't Georgia Hometown Cookbook By Shelia Simmons and Kent Whitaker wait to try! There are several restaurants within easy drivJust the name of this cookbook brings to mind peaches, ing distance that are worth the trip. Personal favorites include Red's Catfish Camp in Cragford, Amsterdam Cafe pecans, peanuts and Vidalia Onions! And, it doesn't disappoint. It is a little like Bubba from "Forrest Gump" and in Auburn and The Mossy Grove School House Restauhis shrimp, but who knew Peach Guacamole existed??? I rant in Troy. didn't but I can bet you I will try it in the near future. And, I love this cookbook because it mixes the fancy pants Georgia Peach Slaw with pecan no less sounds so restaurants like Ocean in Birmingham and Black Rock yummy. Bistro in Jasper with greasy spoons like Mustang (that is Shelia and Kent discovered so much in their research actually inside a convenience store) in Greensboro and or for this cookbook and its evident as they highlighted nuLala's Place in Eldridge. Anita did her homework and merous Georgia Food Festivals that occur annually like traveled many back roads in her quest to complete this the Watermelon Days Festival in Cordele or the Vidalia cookbook. Onion Festival in Vidalia... (See, I told you Southerners Super Easy Fantastic Fudge (from Mustang) will create celebrations just to eat food!!!) 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1/4 cup evaporated milk Peach Guacamole 5 medium avocados, peeled and finely chopped 1/2 cup butter 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro 3 tablespoons cocoa Salt, black pepper, garlic salt and cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 medium Georgia peach, peeled and finely chopped Put all ingredients in a microwave safe bowl. MicroJuice of 1 lime wave on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds; stir. MicroProcess 2/3 chopped avocado in a food processor until wave another 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Pour on buttered smooth. Add seasonings to taste; process until well plate and cool about 30 minutes. mixed. In a large glass bowl, combine processed avocado Game For All Seasons Cookbook with remaining avocado, peaches and lime juice; stir genBy Harold Webster tly until fully mixed. Chill before serving with chips for This is one of the more unusual cookbooks I have come dipping. across... Where can you find in print a recipe for Baked All of these cookbooks can be ordered online by visitRaccoon Casserole or Squirrel Croquettes? Well Harold ing www.GreatAmericanPublishers.com or visiting Webster has provided them for you and a lot more in his Southern Holiday Life Store and Decor in Wedowee. Southern Holiday Life 111
Have a New Year’s Eve New Year’s Eve is one of my alltime favorite holiday’s (I have a lot of favorites, I know.)The pressure of the holidays is past; it is a night to celebrate the good times had over the year and dream with anticipation of the memories to be made in the upcoming months. Whether it is for 10 or for 2, nothing is more glamorous than an intimate black-tie dinner to ring in the New Year. Prepare a fabulous table, put on your best dress, sit down to a decadent meal and linger into the New Year with lots of bubbly and laughter. Creating a table suited to this occasion is best left to the chic metallic mixed with black and white, an elegant and classic combination that screams Hollywood glam, perfect for this yearly celebration. Raid your cabinets and mix various size vases down the center of your table, filling some with silver beads, others with noise makers or curled ribbon. Leave one of two for flowers but keep the look minimal here as well, using only one or two colors per vase for impact. This is your time to pull out all MUST HAVES FOR the stops. Glam all the way. Cut THIS TABLE: crystal champagne glasses to reflect White linen tablecloth the light mixed with solid black Champagne flutes wine goblets for a bit of drama, all Black wine goblets set on pure white linen is sure to Clear vases in various sizes and makes a bold statement sure to imshapes press your guests. Metallic accent plates + flatware For the placesettings, don’t be Black linen napkins afraid to mix your plate patterns, Silver beading especially if they have metallic acFlowers cents, trust me it will all look great New Year’s favors, noise makers, under candlelight. Pull it all together metallic ribbon with a solid black napkin wrapped in silver beaded garland.
Now pop the champagne and celebrate in style! An accomplished home and event stylist, Krayl Funch’s passion for living well is evident in everything she touches. Raised in Connecticut, just a short 30 minute train ride into New York City, and currently residing in Tampa Bay, she easily blends New England sophistication with Southern hospitality. Learn more www.AnAppealingPlan.com
The Christmas Gram Holiday Recipes By Krayl Funch The Christmas Gram Cocktail If you are not familiar with the movie, “ELF�, I HIGHLY recommend watching it. It will become one of your favorites as well, I guarantee it. If you are familiar with it, you may remember the scene where Buddy first meets his dad and sings his version of a Christmas gram. The below recipe is my version. It can be served cold to greet your guests. Or serve it warm at the end of your meal with desert. 114 Southern Holiday Life
1 quart eggnog 1 whole vanilla bean 1 cup dark spiced rum
4 graham crackers Cinnamon sticks Whipped cream
Pour quart of egg nog into a saucepan, add vanilla bean and heat on low for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to release vanilla seeds into the liquid. Stir in rum. Remove from heat. Remove vanilla bean, strain if needed, discard bean. Serve immediately to serve warm, or chill liquid 1 hour to serve chilled. Graham Cracker Rim: Crush graham crackers in a large bowl with wooden spoon or in a food processor. With remaining rum coat the rim of glass to wet and roll edge in crushed graham cracker. To Serve: Pour eggnog and rum combination into rimmed glasses. Top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with graham cracker. Garnish with cinnamon stick.