My husband and I work crazy hours. Our kids are typical teenagers, and we don’t see nearly enough of them. In the busyness of life, I know we have let too many opportunities slip by to establish traditions and make memories, but there is one thing we’ve gotten right, and that’s sitting down almost every night to eat dinner together.

Before we eat, we hold hands for the blessing. It’s just something we’ve always done. Even if we have a dinner guest, even if it’s someone my boys have just met, when it’s time for the blessing, they reach for the person’s hand beside them. I think the older they get, the more I treasure those simple moments of solidarity. No matter the chaos or struggle of the day, at dinnertime, we are a family.
Given this month’s theme, “Let’s Decorate,” we thought we’d inspire you to take that time with your family, your kids. It takes a little extra effort to set a beautiful table, but it’s also an opportunity to work together to create an atmosphere that invites each member of the family to set aside technology and slow down and enjoy each other’s company. It’s a way to show love.

It's time to fall in love with pumpkin all over again. Fall is all about cooler weather, a crackling fire, holiday parties, football and pumpkin everything. One name is synonymous with holiday baking traditions: Libby's® Pumpkin, an American classic for more than 75 years. And, it's not just for the holidays, cooks and chefs are discovering pumpkin is a moist, creamy and nutritious addition for year-round recipes.

The power of pumpkin is showcased in just one delicious serving of Libby's® 100% Pure Pumpkin, which offers a rich source of nutrients, all while being low in calories and fat, and naturally sodium-free. From breakfast to dinner, sweet to savory, pumpkin-filled recipes are  versatile and nutritiously beneficial. In fact, pumpkin is  used as a healthier alternative ingredient for many recipes. The swaps are easy: One egg can be swapped for 1/4 cup of Libby's® Pumpkin, 1 tablespoon of oil or butter can be swapped with 1 tablespoon of Libby's® Pumpkin—how easy!

This year, surprise your family and friends with delicious twists on America's favorite pumpkin classics, or with new exciting recipes that will have pumpkin lovers begging for more.

Calhoun Street Tavern, a cozy neighborhood restaurant, is tucked away in The Promenade of Old Town Bluffton. This month I stopped in to get a behind-the-scenes look at what they have to offer. Check it out...

Not only is chocolate good, but a little piece of chocolate can make any bad day better. Nestle’s mission of “Good Food, Good Life,” not only exudes who they are as a company, but also portrays how a little love in your life in the form of a bit of chocolate can take you to a place that no green juice can. Not only has Nestle been committed to making the best chocolate for its consumers for more than a century, they also are recognized as a leader in nutrition, health and wellness. Nestle’s products nourish your body, raise your spirits, delight your taste buds and help you celebrate with the people you love.

The following recipes showcase the delectability of Nestle chocolate, and prove how easy it can be to take something as simple as a chocolate bar and turn it into something spectacular. These recipes are guaranteed to be irresistible because life is definitely sweeter with chocolate.

Avocados have come a long way from simply being the green that makes your guacamole. Known as a "nutrient booster," avocados help the body absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha and beta-carotene. Long story short, they are, if there ever was one, the good side of fat. With over 20 valuable body-loving nutrients, avocados are as simple and delicious to infuse into your recipes, as they are nutritious.

In a few short years, sparkling water has gone from a specialty beverage to a supermarket staple. More Americans than ever are kicking sugary sodas to the curb and choosing zero-calorie carbonated beverages instead. It’s not hard to see why. Flavored sparkling water comes with all the benefits of drinking water—increased energy, clearer skin and balanced fluid levels—with none of the boring taste.

This month, Pink Magazine teamed up with VOSS Water to expand the definition of what flavored waters can do. Not only do these natural, refreshing beverages tasteamazing, they also make delicious additions to summer cocktails! VOSS Sparkling Waters come in three flavors: Tangerine Lemongrass, Lemon Cucumber, and the brand-new Lime Mint. Add alcohol, or fruit for a lip-smacking smoothie.

Judith Fertig spent years creating and compiling the greatest the United States had to offer when writing her what is now already classic cookbook, All-American Desserts: 400 Star-Spangled, Razzle-Dazzle Recipes for America’s Best Loved Desserts. However, one of her favorites is an old English twist on an American favorite: cheddar cheese accenting apple pie.

Sweltering summer days have arrived in full force. Whether you are looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a summer storm or a small reprieve from the heat, there is one place Southerners love to retreat to—the porch. And, no proper porch sitting is complete without a tall, refreshing glass of iced tea. There is little better than the crackle and pop you hear as your glass is poured. Ahhh, summer in the South!

Summer days call for fun in the sun with picnics on the beach and refreshing drinks on the porch. We’ve got you covered with delicious, bright drinks and recipes from one of the most well-known citrus growers in the world—Sunkist.  

Sunkist isn’t your ordinary food mogul; they are a cooperative of family farms with generations of citrus growing know how. Founded in 1893, the cooperative consists of thousands of members, stretched across sunny California and Arizona, who reflect the values and legacy of its 120-years of family-owned farms. Sunkist is a brand consumers can trust for quality, fresh, delicious and premium fruit. The Sunkist farmers honor traditional growing practices, stewardship of natural resources, and a dedication to innovation. This philosophy has been proudly passed down year after year, crop after crop.

During warm-weather months, many families are more on-the-go than ever, with jam-packed, activity-filled days. Quick, thrown-together, indistinguishable meals are often the solution. Sometimes, nutrition suffers, too.

Longtime Islanders remember hot spots from back in the day. Names like The Crow’s Nest, Jim’s Paradise, The Player’s Club, Cadillac’s and Monkey Business were filled with electric energy. They were the places to be seen on the scene. On any given night, you could walk in and count on seeing pretty much everyone you knew. Then there was a lull—no main gathering spots, no places to dance. The island atmosphere began to shift from party animals to families bringing their animals. Basically, the thrill was gone, baby.

Bush's is bringing much more than a mouth-watering secret family recipe to the table.
Turn the page for fantastic recipes.

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and it's time to fire up the grill for summer. With burgers and hot dogs hitting the grill, there is one side that can't be forgotten: Bush's Baked Beans! Bush's beans has long been known for its famous "secret family recipe," with their slow-cooked beans and out-of-this-world flavors, but that's not all. Bush's offers more than you think. Just ask Duke.

It's springtime, which means rain showers, warm weather, green marshes and, of course my favorite, Easter dinner! In our home, Easter is not complete with out one dish...deviled eggs! And, since I have a tried and true family recipe for deviled eggs, I reached out to Eggland's Best to learn about some more creative Easter recipes for this year. Whether your family celebrates brunch, lunch or dinner, Eggland's Best has you covered with recipes from savory to sweet.

Whether you are a born-and-bred Southerner or got here as fast as you could, there is nothing more sinful than an incredible bite of pimento cheese. It is in the repertoire of every good Southern cook and a staple at any family or friends’ gathering.

Did you know there is a world of flavor tucked away in the Village at Wexford? Just walk through the doors at The Oilerie and take advantage of the unique collection of olive oils, balsamic vinegars, spice blends and so much more!