Those counselors did something right, yall. For some Southern kids, summertime means hitting the road forfamily vacations. Others head to all-star sports programs. Credit: United Archives/Getty Images Some like to knock out that summer reading list or can’t wait for swim team practices every day. And then there are the camp kids. I write this with the privilege of being a camp kid. Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Kiera Coffee...

Say goodbye to destroyed eggs whites, sore fingertips, and spending 10 minutes peeling a single egg. As eggs mature, moisture escapes through the pores in the shell while air passes through the pores. So, reserve that older carton of eggs for boiling. Credit:UIG Platinum / Getty Images Eggs stored in the fridge for 5 to 10 days are ideal as long as they’re notpast expiration. That’s a recipe for a shell-sticking disaster....

If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. Don’t overlook this prime piece of decorating real estate. That’s why overlooking yourkitchen countertopswhen decking the halls leads to one big missed opportunity for spreading Christmas cheer. Credit:Hector Sanchez; Styling by Missie Crawford There’s no better way to store your lot than in a Christmas-themed cookie jar. This one,shaped like the Jolly Man himself, is a family heirloom in the making....

If you think casseroles are just for the oven, think again. If you think casseroles are just for the oven, think again. These easy slow-cooker casserole recipes come together in your trusty Crockpot. Credit: Caitlin Bensel/Southern Living There’s a slow-cooker casserole for every occasion on this list. When casseroles come in slow-cooker form, you’ve got the option to officially count us in. Spaghetti Casserole Reimagine a childhood favorite with a slow cooker spin....

Here are seven reasons you need this fun, retro houseplant. Spider plants have been a favorite houseplant for decades. Here are some of the benefits of spider plants and why you need one in your collection. Credit:Getty Images This plants graceful arching form makes it a natural forhanging baskets. Great for Beginners If ahouseplantcould survive being ignored, this is the one! Stick your finger in; if it feels wet, wait another day or two before watering....

Dont forget to clean these easily overlooked spots in your home before holiday guests arrive. Getty Images If youre not cleaning and cooking up a storm, can you even say youvehosted Thanksgiving? But even the most fastidious of hosts are known to leave an ingredient off theshopping listor horrors! Credit:Getty Images forget to clean a spot (or two) in their home before company comes over. Pam Clydeis the President and Founder ofBritLin Cleaning & Organizing....

Meet the Experts Lucy Smallis the owner of State and Season Home Design based in North Georgia. Melanie Bryantis a designer serving clients in Mississippi and beyond. Laetitia Laurentis the principal designer of Laure Nell Interiors in Boca Raton, Florida. Credit:Photo: Followell Fotography; Design: Melanie Bryant Interiors Sculptural lightingdraws attention upward and can make a major impact on a room as a whole. “Its an easy way to introduce a curated, collected feel without overwhelming a room....

It’s time to finally get that trip in the books. But to help you narrow down your choicesand actually get this trip booked ASAPwe selected the best ones below. Some prefer museums and fine dining, others prefer live music and dive bars. Credit:Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Page Mullins; Wardrobe, Hair, and Makeup: Celine Russell/Zenobia But theres no need to stress: Nashville offerssomething for everyone. Use eitherBobby NashvilleorConrad Nashvilleas your base camp before setting off to explore Music City....

domnicky / Getty Images Bay leavesintroduce an extra dimension to soups, stews, and roasts. Like so manyherbs, bay leaves have multiple applications, from repelling pests to skin care. Read on to learn the many surprising uses of bay leaves. Credit:domnicky / Getty Images Repelling Pests Bay leaf’s stringent scent is used torepel insects. In fact, the essential oil is an ingredient in some pesticides. Some cooks use bay leaves in the pantry to deter moths, weevils, andother pests....

These miniature pies have all the same flavor of their larger counterparts. So, turn in your pie plates and try these sweet and savory hand pies. The sugary-crisp coating on the shortening-based flaky crust makes each bite irresistible. Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Matthew Gleason; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall The buttery pastry dough gets a crunchy finish with turbinado sugar and powder sugar glaze drizzle. In-season cherries and fresh lime juice and zest bring a sweet and tangy bite to these fruit-filled pies....

From etiquette no-nos to game day food tips, don’t fumble at your next tailgate. While weve got the mostwow-worthy tailgate recipeslocked down, what about the actual hosting? Some Southerners will undoubtedly show up with their own roadies, and thats perfectly fine. Credit:Frederick Hardy II; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Kay Clarke Instead, eliminate your stress by welcoming people as they come and enjoying yourself without a strict schedule. After offering the first beverage for guests, you might relinquish some responsibility....

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. Plus, how to use these items in your own home. Thankfully, organizing doesnt have to be an expensive project. Credit:Walmart But before any organizing can begin, Tomlin says the job starts at the store. Ready to tackle your messiest rooms? Here are items that a professional organizer will always pick up on a trip to Walmart. Credit:Walmart Fabric Storage Bin For bedroom organization, Tomlin turns tofabric storage boxes....

Plus pro tips on how to make the most of the good and minimize the bad. For an interior designer, it’s their job to notice what an untrained eye may not. As it turns out, theres quite a few things. Credit: PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREY W. GLENN; STYLING BY KENDRA SURFACE Walking into a room for me is like embarking on a visual adventure. Amidst the details, several elements cry for immediate attention....