If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to spend the night somewhere between the golden glow of Old Hollywood and the laid-back, sun-drenched cool of modern California, allow me to introduce you to The Hoxton hotel in Downtown LA — a hotel that feels less like a place to crash and more like a glamorous friend’s impeccably designed pied-à-terre.
Jamie Smith grew up playing in clay at his aunt and uncle’s pottery shop in Merigold.
“My first sculpture piece was Moby Dick,” he said. “I took a big block of clay and hammered on it. I beat a tail into it. Then I put some little teeth in it. They dried it slowly for well over a month.”
Today, Jamie and his brother, Stephen, help run McCartys Pottery, a hidden Mississippi gem nestled in the foliage in this tiny town outside Cleveland.
There’s something magical about a holiday craft fair — the twinkling lights, the scent of cinnamon in the air, and the creative buzz of people showcasing their handmade treasures.
I recently visited one in Oxford, Mississippi, held at the gorgeous event space The Jefferson, where artisans from across the state gathered to show off their wares. Picture tables filled with everything from whimsical paintings to glimmering ornaments and hand-crafted jewelry — it was a festive wonderland of creativity.
One year for Halloween, I decided to bring a little classic TV charm — and a dash of gothic glam — to my living room with a spooky, small-scale celebration. I’ve always loved Halloween, but instead of going full haunted-house this year, I kept it cozy with a small gathering of ghouls, goblins, and a few brave humans.
Costumes were encouraged (of course), and I knew exactly who I wanted to channel: the darkly delightful Lily Munster.
If you’ve been scrolling through my social media lately (unlikely), you might assume I’m a culinary goddess whipping up Pinterest-worthy creations with ease. Spoiler alert: I’m not. But I have been dabbling in the kitchen again, which is always an adventure — emphasis on adventure.
Like many serial hobbyists, I’ve gone through plenty of phases. Stamp collecting? Check. Salsa dancing? Si. That one time I thought I could be a top chef? Oh yes. I had a full-blown Food Network addiction and a growing collection of cookbooks — some purchased, some gifted, all aspirational.
Let’s be honest: the way you decorate your Christmas tree says a lot about you. It’s like a glittery, pine-scented personality test — without the pressure of multiple choice. Some people go for elegant, color-coordinated themes with perfectly spaced ribbons and matching metallic balls. Others throw on everything they’ve ever owned since childhood, creating a nostalgic mosaic of memories.
As for me? I fall somewhere in between — equal parts sentimentalist, craft junkie, and intergalactic oddball.
A while back, I was driving through Coffeeville on my way back from Jackson, and I stopped at a little spot that is usually very busy on the weekends with people who set up yard sales. In the past, I lucked-up and found a lot of vintage jewelry for sale. This time, I had a similar experience.
I’ve stopped there a few times in the past and, on more than one occasion, scored some gorgeous vintage jewelry — necklaces and earrings that feel like they have stories of their own. Think rhinestones, costume gems, and clip-ons that would make any retro-lover’s heart skip a beat.
The recent passing of Mississippi treasure Lee McCarty stirred up memories of one unforgettable day I spent in Merigold several years ago — a day that felt like stepping into a living piece of art history.
Five years ago, I found myself on a Delta road trip that led me to the doorstep of McCartys Pottery, the legendary studio Lee and his late wife, Pup, built from the ground up in the tiny town of Merigold. If you’ve never been, let me offer this heartfelt advice: add it to your bucket list. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Sometimes the best way to step back in time is with a burger, a milkshake, and a little retro neon glow. That’s exactly the vibe I felt when I ate at Brent’s Drugs, a timeless diner nestled in the heart of Fondren, Jackson’s beloved arts district.
Brent’s is more than just a drugstore-turned-diner. It’s a piece of Mississippi nostalgia wrapped in turquoise booths, checkered floors, and vintage signage that looks like it stepped off a 1950s postcard. Opened in 1946, Brent’s originally operated as a pharmacy with a soda fountain — back when that was the ultimate hangout spot for milkshakes, malts, and first dates.
There’s something about crafting that quiets the noise of everyday life. For me, it’s more than a hobby — it’s a form of therapy. Whenever I’m creating something with my hands, especially something for my home, I feel a deep sense of peace and purpose.
One of my favorite simple DIY projects is a spring wreath I made a while back for my front door. It’s a cheerful, earthy piece that brings a pop of seasonal beauty to my porch — and the best part? It started with a $1 thrift store find.
I love the thrill of a good antique or thrift store treasure hunt. You never know what quirky, charming, or unexpected items you might stumble across — and on one of my recent excursions, I discovered a curious little ceramic bird that looked like it flew straight out of someone’s 1970s den.
With its bold orange glaze and retro vibes, it definitely had personality, but it didn’t quite match my decor. Still, something about its shape and whimsical charm caught my eye. I couldn’t resist. For just a few dollars, I decided to take it home and give it a second life.
For more than 20 years, I’ve had what could best be described as a “tree bed” — a headboard and footboard crafted entirely from real tree branches.
I bought the bed in Ripley, Mississippi, and though it’s a little rustic and wild, it’s held up beautifully over the years. If you use your imagination, it kind of feels like you are sleeping in a treehouse every night.
One of my favorite things to do is browse through thrift shops and weekend yard sales in search of overlooked treasures — items that might not catch everyone’s eye but have the potential to become something beautiful with a little creativity and effort. There’s something deeply satisfying about giving old things a second chance at life, especially when you can personalize them to fit your space and style.
That’s exactly what happened with this latest find: a pair of framed floral prints. At first glance, they weren’t anything special — classic flowers with a soft purple background that just didn’t match my current décor. But I saw their potential. I knew with a small investment of time and paint, I could turn them into something that would perfectly complement my bedroom.
As I was browsing the aisles, something caught my eye — a hand-stitched piece of art in the shape of Mississippi. Since I collect all things Mississippi-shaped, I knew I had to rescue it from thrift store obscurity. Even better? It was only $1.
As I was browsing the aisles, something caught my eye — a hand-stitched piece of art in the shape of Mississippi. Since I collect all things Mississippi-shaped, I knew I had to rescue it from thrift store obscurity. Even better? It was only $1.
I’ve always had a soft spot for quirky vintage treasures — especially if they sparkle. And one of my absolute favorite retro obsessions? The whimsical, jewel-studded box purses of the late, great Texas designer Enid Collins.
If you’ve never fallen down the Enid Collins rabbit hole, be warned: it’s a delightful trip. Her iconic 1960s wooden handbags — playful, hand-painted, and bedazzled with rhinestones — are tiny, portable works of art. Each design has this charming, cheerful energy that just makes you smile.
Los Angeles-based Natasha Feldman and Julianna Strickland host a web-based cooking show about food and movies called “Cinema & Spice.” They are big “Mad Men” fans, and recently taped a segment about how to throw a “Mad Men” party.
Over the weekend, I wandered into Target for toothpaste and detergent — and, as usual, walked out with something delightfully unexpected: the cutest set of bird-themed notecards. (Target has a way of doing that to people, doesn’t it?)
These little gems are printed on recycled paper and come from a company called Green Inspired, which is all about combining eco-friendly design with modern style. Their products are sold exclusively at Target, so if you’re into charming stationery and saving the planet one card at a time, you might want to swing by the paper goods aisle. Or you can check them out online at green-inspired.com.
Hazlehurst resident Charles Jenkins, 63, began “mud painting” after a tour of plantations in St. Francisville, Louisiana.
He found shades of green in Columbia’s Red Bluff and reds in Copiah County creeks.
It’s not easy being green — but it’s very easy being a Kermit the Frog fan, especially this week as the new “Muppets” movie hits theaters. With that in mind, I thought it was the perfect time to celebrate the world’s most lovable amphibian by showing off a few of my favorite Kermit finds — and sharing why this little green guy holds such a special place in my heart.
Like many of you, I grew up in the golden age of “The Muppet Show” and “Sesame Street” — the 1970s and ’80s, when television was a little quirkier, a little fuzzier, and a whole lot more musical. Kermit wasn’t just a puppet. He was a philosopher. A dreamer. The gentle soul trying to hold everything together while Gonzo launched himself from cannons and Miss Piggy karate-chopped her way through love and drama.
When Sharon McConnell-Dickerson began to lose her vision in 1995, she faced a difficult truth: her life would never be the same. But in the darkness, she discovered something unexpected — art.
That discovery eventually led her from New England to the Mississippi Delta, where she would spend more than a decade capturing the soul of the blues, not through sound, but through sculpture.
Rick Griffin, a Jackson landscape architect, grew up seeing bottle trees on trips between Ocean Springs and Vicksburg. Fascinated by their charm, he built a 10-foot bottle tree in his own yard, calling it a symbol of fun and individuality. “It’s about being a nonconformist,” he says.
Once dismissed as kitschy folk art, bottle trees are now booming in popularity across the South, especially in neighborhoods like Fondren, where urban horticulture expert Felder Rushing has documented a sharp rise in their numbers. Rushing believes this trend reflects a cultural shift toward more relaxed, expressive outdoor spaces. “For a long time, lawns had to be perfect. Now, people feel freer to add personality and history to their yards,” he explains.
If you’re a bookworm with a love for unique accessories, here’s a literary treasure you’ll want to add to your collection: miniature book earrings handcrafted by The Small Book Company on Etsy.
I stumbled across this gem while browsing Etsy — one of my favorite places to discover creative and handcrafted finds. Jewelry artist Nicolette Tallmadge has turned her passion for literature into wearable art by designing teeny-tiny earrings shaped like classic books. I couldn’t resist ordering a pair, and when they arrived, I was completely charmed.
In today’s world of hyper-personalization — where everything from coffee cups to sneakers can be tailored to your taste — it’s no surprise that even bobbleheads have joined the customization craze. Enter HeadBobble, a California-based company turning this pop culture novelty into a highly personalized keepsake.
You may know bobbleheads as those comically exaggerated figurines with oversized heads that nod and wobble with a gentle tap. Once reserved for athletes, politicians, and fictional TV characters like Dwight Schrute from “The Office,” these wobbly collectibles are now being designed to look just like you — or your favorite person.
Have you heard of the new wedding trend called “trashing the dress”? It’s a fine art photography movement gaining popularity across the country — and it’s not as destructive as it sounds.
Brides are taking their once-worn gowns and diving into oceans, rolling in mud, or swimming through lakes, all in the name of creating unforgettable photos. The idea? The dress was only going to be worn once, so why not turn it into a work of art?
Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” dazzles visually but falls flat emotionally, revealing the limitations of a film that leans too heavily on aesthetics without delivering the depth of its subject. The cinematography is breathtaking, the costumes extravagant, and the French landscapes mesmerizing — but the film feels more like a designer photo shoot than a compelling historical drama.
Starring Kirsten Dunst as the ill-fated young queen, the film attempts to modernize Marie’s teenage angst by layering a rebellious rock soundtrack over 18th-century decadence. The concept — bold and trendy on paper — ultimately feels gimmicky. Rather than enhancing the storytelling, it distances the audience and feels more like a marketing strategy aimed at Gen Z than an artistic choice.
You must be logged in to post a comment.