Summer's probably my favorite time to visit Napa and Sonoma -- the nights are cool, everything's lush and green, the roads and wineries are not nearly as crowded as they are in the fall, and, compared to the South, there's almost no perceptible humidity (which I'll take all day long).

Join me as I look back on a recent trip (which was out of this world!) where I visited Flora Spring Winery, Bennett Lane Winery, Frank Family Vineyards, and J Vineyards. 

In addition to sampling outstanding wines, along the way, I also cooled my heels in a sweet hotel and was able to kick back in one of my favorite restaurants in the country.

It's no secret that I love wines from Washington -- I recommend them often in the pages of Southern Living.  Generally speaking, I think it's tough to match the state's consistent quality and value.

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to try Milbrandt Vineyard's 05 Legacy Syrah and 05 Legacy Merlot -- both are terrific wines.

We love sharing our delectable recipes and enticing photos with you each and every month, but we rarely get a chance to show you what's involved with an actual photo shoot.  In fact, most folks are surprised to find out just how much work (and talent) goes into creating food images.

Back March, with camera in hands, I peeked in on the team producing the "No-Fuss Tarts" story (which is currently running on page 106 of the July issue) to document a day in the Southern Living Photo Studio.

I was lucky enough to make a trip out to Austin, TX to do research for an upcoming story in the magazine. I love the oasis that is Austin and I was once fortunate enough to call the city my home. It had been awhile since I last visited so I was very excited to return. My friends Shelley and Brian, natives of the area, have been going on and on about how the city is changing so fast since I have left. "Lots of new development and lofts everywhere....very California," to quote them, so I was very curious.