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It should go without saying that you’re allowed to wear whatever you want anytime. But this is especially true during the hottest days of summer when the heat is out to play—and in the South, we don’t hide from the heat. We head out on the porch and salute it with a cocktail and small-town gossip. Unsurprisingly, shorts and skirts are practically imperative around these parts. For anyone who has ever thought twice about putting on something that hits above the calves due to spider veins, bruises, uneven skin tone, stretch marks, or anything else, there is no reason to fret....

If you grew up in the South, you’ve likely heard most of these “cooking rules” before. Grandma probably reminded you of them regularly. That doesn’t mean that they are all strictly true. Many cooking rules that we live by are well intentioned, but when tested, don’t actually work. From cornbread to biscuits, beans to buttermilk, we’ve found that some Southern cooking advice just doesn’t add up. Here are a few that we discovered are more myth than truth....

Ahead of the premiere of season two of Outer Banks, Sperry has partnered with Netflix to create a footwear collection for men and women based on the hit series. From seersucker-lined AOs for Kooks to distressed sneakers for Pogues, there is something for fans from both sides of the island. Available now, the Sperry x Outer Banks collection is imbued with character details and show storylines. Take Kook style to a new level with a special edition Authentic Original boat shoe (BUY IT: $94....

With Halloween celebrations and out-of-state travel stymied by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, businesses coming up with ways for customers to get the most out of the spooky season without having to sacrifice their safety. Take, for example, US Ghost Adventures. In light of public health concerns, this guided walking tour company that specializes in ghost tours of America’s most haunted cities has introduced new virtual options, like Ghostflix. Thrill seekers looking to experience the scary side of history will love what is essentially the Netflix of ghost tours....

Spruce, pine, or fir? That is the Christmastime question. Every year, those who are loyal to an authentic evergreen Christmas tree debate the merits of which type of tree to bring into their home. And the truth is, there’s no one right answer. Every variety has its pros and cons, so the evergreen that will best suit your needs will really depend on your priorities. Is your prerogative a grand, full tree with lots of room to hang lots of jolly lights and garlands?...

Cooking an elaborate multi-course dinner can be relaxing and invigorating. Baking can be blissful. But sometimes, an easy, fast, and delicious meal means taking an item out of the freezer and popping it in the oven or the microwave. At Publix, the frozen food section is packed with attractive options that will make the home cook and their loved ones perfectly happy. Here are some outstanding frozen hits to seek out....

Lubbock, a college town located in Texas’s Panhandle region, has long been associated with its blank slate landscape—an occasionally dusty expanse of farmland giving rise to crops like cotton and grapes, offering up stunning glowing sunsets that are visible for miles. Texas Tech University is located here, along with a good portion of the state’s wine-growing industry (more than 90 percent of the state’s wine crop is cultivated in this region), but you can also trace a lineage of artists back to Georgia O’Keeffe (who lived for two years in Canyon, north of Lubbock) and sculptor Robert Bruno or Lubbock-born musician Buddy Holly....

Imagine being 37-years-old and in need of a third double-lung transplant. Imagine that all being possible. Cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited disease that impacts the lungs and digestive system, up until recent decades meant barely making it out of childhood, if that. Now, modern medicine, coupled with the support of doctors, researchers, and nonprofits like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, have made it so those living with the disease can make it to their fifth decade of life—and even beyond....

Just as the state of Florida has begun to lift social distancing restrictions and some have ventured to the beaches, Mother Nature has handed the Sunshine state another hard blow—two actually. Two separate wildfires are now burning in the Florida Panhandle. The two fires are between Pensacola and Panama City Beach and have already caused damage to some buildings and evacuations of some areas. On Monday, May 4, high winds and low humidity sparked the Five Mile Swamp fire in Santa Rosa County....

Whether you toss a few in a sandwich, throw a handful on your tacos, or pop a few just because, this ultimate spice-lovers treat is certainly making waves thanks to its popularity on the internet. But before you dig in, here’s what you need to know. Where do candied jalapenos come from? This one is a bit of a mystery, but considering they’re often called “Cowboy Candy” we can safely call them a Midwest and Southern favorite....

Few things are more frustrating than investing time to wash and style your hair only to be met with oily or greasy strands the same day. Whether it’s your shampoo or conditioner choice, your nervous habit of playing with your hair, or the fact that your pillowcase hasn’t seen a good wash in, well, we’d rather not say, there are plenty of reasons why your hair isn’t maintaining its freshness. We’re here to shed light on the tricky little things that might make your hair greasy so you can extend the time between shampoos without sacrificing your style....

Hanukkah yard decorations may not be as popular as jolly Christmas decor, but many Jewish Southerners adhere to one specific feature: a menorah in their window sill. Also known as a chanukiah, this eight-pronged candelabra is used to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, during which those observing light a new candle each night to represent an ancient miracle that made a minuscule amount of oil burn for eight days straight....

Like many people, Joelle Mertzel, a mom and resident in Los Angeles, California, always thought butter should be kept in the fridge. Seeing how it’s a dairy product and, two, the label says “keep refrigerated.” Plus, it’s refrigerated in cases in the store. The logic follows. This reasoning was followed until one day, several years ago, when she left a stick out on the counter, only to find it significantly more enjoyable at room temperature....

It’s time for a home refresh, and for 2023, we’re taking it to the bedroom. It’s hardly the first room that guests see when we entertain, nor is it where we gather to spend time with friends and family, but that doesn’t discount its importance. The bedroom is where we retreat for relaxation. It’s the first room we see in the morning and the last one we see at night. Our bedrooms are our sanctuaries....

Listen up, Alabama football fans: History is set to repeat itself. Last year, two pieces of Crimson Tide history, went up on the auction block. Specifically, two hats worn by legendary Bama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. An iconic houndstooth fedora and an Alabama baseball cap that were reportedly found under a seat during a restoration of Bryant’s 1972 Cadillac were sold to the highest bidder. If you missed out on those two pieces, you have another shot at owning some Bryant memorabilia....

One of our favorite unlikely couples, there’s something about Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton that just works. The country crooner and pop punk star, who paired up after meeting as judges on The Voice in 2015, married on Shelton’s Oklahoma ranch earlier this year. Now, they’re preparing to celebrate their first married Christmas alongside Stefani’s three sons. On the holiday special From Apple Music With Love, the couple gave a glimpse into what Christmas at the Stefani-Shelton household looks like....

Did you know that strawberry season actually begins during winter? In fact, according to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, strawberries can be harvested in the Sunshine State as early as December. In true Southern style, strawberry season is typically ushered in with pomp and circumstance ranging from strawberry festivals to strawberry 5Ks. Celebrate the start of strawberry season with the whole family by whipping up your favorite strawberry shortcake recipe, and when you do, be sure to toss a few ripe strawberries to Fido, too....

Wallpaper can make or break a room. It can look rich and elegant, or it can peel, turn yellow, and look outdated. If you’re dealing with the latter, you might be wondering if you can paint over wallpaper. The answer is yes, and we went to the experts to get all the tips and tricks for doing it right. Get ready to transform your walls with a fresh coat of paint and say hello to a beautiful new room....

In 2019, Caroline Harper Knapp had just finished the process of having plans drawn up by an architect and approved by her Houston, Texas neighborhood’s HOA to add on to her family’s home. They needed space for the Knapp’s third baby, who was on her way. Just before construction was to begin, Knapp was perusing a Houston real estate website one night and found a classic 1960s ranch-style home in her beloved neighborhood....

When it comes to celebrating holidays, Southerners would never be accused of going the less-is-more route. Rather, we tend to take an all-in, over-the-top approach that’s matched only by the amount of butter we include in our biscuits. And while we certainly don’t hold a monopoly on celebrating Easter, there’s no denying that we mark the day with exceptional flair. For this beloved spring holiday, our exuberant MO means dyed eggs by the dozen, tables set with every single piece of our grandmothers’ silver, and the whole crew dressed in seersucker....