Southern Living

http://www.southernliving.com/

 Do you think Cinderella read Southern Living?  After she took back her slipper, planned her dream wedding, and married Prince Charming, did she melt into her comfy chair, the one with a gorgeous view of the hydrangeas, to sip steaming Chai tea and read her newest issue?  I think so.  I believe Cinde was the ultimate Southern belle.  Think about it: She demonstrated resourcefulness; after crafting three ballgowns for her evil steps, she found the energy to hop into a vegetable carriage pulled by mutant mice, attend a pretentious gala, and captivate an entire room with her beauty.  She wooed the boy by showcasing her graceful dance moves while wearing a knock-out dress!  She was polite when facing her adversaries but destroyed them with a fabulous pair of heels.  Sounds like a southern woman to me.
   Well, this modern day, middle-aged-ish working mom reads Southern Living religiously.  Like, it's the Southern woman's Bible and Lindsay Bierman is my prophet.

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SouthernLiving.com

(Seeing how I'm a fine Christian woman, I don't mean that literally, as I'd never say something so sacrilegious.  But if I ever form a SL cult, the aforementioned would definitely apply.)  Each and every issue transports me inside the pages where I'm inspired to create, design, travel, cook, and reside within a charming southern home.  
   Just last night I baked a delicious strawberry cream sheet cake, a recipe taken straight from April's issue, for a baby shower our team hosted at work today.  The scrumptious indulgent delight received numerous accolades.  Thank you Southern Living. In fact, never have I made an SL dish that wasn't tasty.  Not only am I a better cook per my subscription, I'm a better person.

Delicious Crowd-Pleaser! 
 http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/strawberries-cream-sheet-cake-50400000134445/

   Southern Living is an aphrodisiac. Last week when my husband and I were bickering over absolutely NOTHING (yes, even Prince Charming and Cinderella speak in "loud voices"), Southern Living brought peace and solace to our marriage.  Mid dispute, frustrated and feeling defeated, I picked up my magazine, headed to the recliner, and lost myself within the pages.  Call me old school, but I prefer the hard copies.  I enjoy flipping crisp, glossy paper, turning down edges to mark favorite articles.  After reading the Grumpy Gardner's tips, Allison Glock's whimsy, and Rick Bragg's wit I didn't care if Matt agreed to de-clutter the garage or not.  Dreaming of front porches and garden parties, I walked into his office and smothered him in kisses. I professed my unyielding love and appreciation for such a wonderful, hard-working husband.  Those beautiful pages possess the power to heal.
   Southern Living speaks to the soul.  When the academic year began, Rick Bragg understood my plight...and wrote about it.  What happened to yesteryear?  Fireflies and streetlamps, swimming pools and picnics, and summers that ended AFTER labor day? He gets it.  During the holiday season when Allison Glock wrote Taking Sides and described her family's traditional Cranberry Salad served without fail EVERY Thanksgiving, my heart leapt!

http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2013/07/30/10-tips-for-building-the-quintessential-southern-home/

I recognized the dish, kin to my Nana's Green Jello Salad.  I carry on the yearly tradition, making the tedious traditional salad, not because anyone eats the darn thing but because we'd be committing a cardinal sin without it.  And when Lindsay Bierman published his Ten Commandments for Southern Style Design, I applauded and said aloud, "Finally, a Southerner who understands the importance of preserving the land and the integrity of historical authenticity!"

http://thedailysouth.southernliving.com/2013/07/30/10-tips-for-building-the-quintessential-southern-home/

Concrete boxes erected atop exposed earth, cheap land purchased by voracious consumers does not build a community.  Thoughtful design does. Bierman also lends his expert advice on interiors. For decorating tips visit his 10 Tried and True Decorating Rules.
   I could babble on endlessly about the divine Southern Living.  Ramble on about my secret plans to visit each unique restaurant, stylish boutique, trendy bar, and classy hotel in the southernmost part of the US of A every time I read the travel guide.  However, my chores are calling much like yours.  After all, I have a castle that needs tending to; albeit considered most likely a "before" castle in the Southern home design section but with each SL idea my home is transforming into an "after. "  Thank you, Southern Living.  Looking forward to May's issue!

~Truly, Cinderella