31 Mar 2024 It feels good to be home

The welcome mat in my garage says, “Leave your troubles at the door.” It’s a mantra I try to live by, a habit I started years ago after interviewing four attorneys from the same family, one of whom was a prosecutor and the other three defense attorneys.

They talked about compartmentalizing the emotions and stress of each case so they could socialize with one another and other attorneys outside the courtroom. “If we took it all personally, we wouldn’t have any friends,” one of them quipped. So I wrote the article and embraced the idea of leaving the day’s stress behind as you enter your home, which I hope is your most comfortable place. It’s not always possible, but making your home a relaxing place is a good goal.

In this issue, our team hopes to inspire your “Southern Home and Garden.” Interior designer Donna Benton of Waterhouse Market brings us three distinctly different homes because her goal is to “create a home that tells your story.” 

Because we all need help with organization, we’ve included a perfectly configured closet and pantry, which the Ruffin family enjoys at their new build in Faulkner County. Ashley Ruffin hired Kinli Gieber of 2B Organized – Little Rock, who shares insider secrets in case you want to DIY. Don’t miss the washer/dryer set-up in the closet—now that’s genius!

Agriculture makes up a substantial portion of our state’s economy, and to ensure that it continues, Arkansas State University at Beebe recently hosted 86 high schools for its 68th Annual Agriculture Day. The day-long event featured a career fair and competition in 12 agriculture-related career development contests, and our writer and photographer were on-site to capture the day for you.

We’re all excited about the total solar eclipse that God has planned for the afternoon of April 8. A cool, NASA-sponsored website, science.nasa.gov, allows you to type in your zip code and find out exactly how long you will experience darkness. We’ve included two pages of eclipse events you can choose from; just remember your special glasses.

According to Chef Don Bingham, mild spring weather is the perfect time to practice your Southern hospitality. Whether you host indoors or outside, your friends will love getting together. So, dust off your welcome mat, whip up some of Don’s recipes, and enjoy your Southern home and garden with those you love.

Stefanie Brazile
Editor