Hey Mama!

Hey Mama!

These three beautiful humans raised me so lovingly that I nearly burst into tears of joy just thinking about them. The woman in the center is my Grandmama, the woman who taught me how to make the tenderest pie dough amongst countless lessons on love. 

Here’s to…

Here’s to…

We’re making more room for celebrating. There’s enough going on in the world that needs little reminding of how cruel it can be. So we’re having moments to toast to good times, blow out candles, dance here and there, and laugh. Laugh so hard that 

The Historical Algonquin Hotel:  Its Famous Cat and the Famed and Naughty “Blue Bar.”

The Historical Algonquin Hotel: Its Famous Cat and the Famed and Naughty “Blue Bar.”

During a recent visit to New York City, we stayed at the 122-year old Algonquin Hotel. We’ve stayed at the hotel once before, however, this time, the hotel revealed its historical past through the Blue Bar menu and a chance meeting with Hamlet, the cat. 

(Un)Expected

(Un)Expected

I am not an optimist. When I tell folks that, they rarely believe me. Surely, you jest. But, but, but you’re so happy… I’ve always armored myself with a fair amount of pragmatism and pessimism, steeling myself as much as one can for the other 

An Evening Stroll at The Botanical Gardens

An Evening Stroll at The Botanical Gardens

“Nature, time, and patience are three great physicians.” – Henry George Bohn On a recent evening, I had the pleasure of going to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. I always forget what makes me come back, time and time again. I have been a member for 

Extra, Eggstra!

Extra, Eggstra!

When I was a kid, there was no shortage of new Easter dresses, patent leather Mary Janes with short white socks, and frilly bonnets to mark the holiday. Think pastel pink, yellow, and green linen with delicately embroidered details. Oh, and there were Easter speeches, 

Everything’s just peachy

Everything’s just peachy

It turns out that this year’s color is peach fuzz. We at ODB have always liked this range of colors- peach, salmon, rose, blush… You can see it throughout our website. Unlike oranges, peaches come in a rainbow of flavors. What’s your favorite? Everything’s been 

Dining out on St Patrick’s Day

Dining out on St Patrick’s Day

I’ve come to realize that it’s almost impossible for me the let holidays go by and not celebrate in some form or fashion. My heart beats a little faster when considering what to do for fun. Although I don’t know my family connections with Ireland, 

Going Green: Happy St Patrick’s Day!

Going Green: Happy St Patrick’s Day!

I went to the Emerald Isle fifteen years ago and had the time of my life. From tasty Irish salmon, lamb, and every kind of potato dish to stone circles, castles, and peat. We started in Dublin and spent a couple of weeks exploring seaside 

The Big Apple is Pretty Sweet

The Big Apple is Pretty Sweet

Each visit to New York has always included popping into a sweet shop for a little bit of chocolate, pastry or cookie. So much so that I’ve contemplated writing a little black book on sweets alone in NYC. Some desserts trend so much that there