Fired-up grilling and polka dots

 

Jan says polka dots

Lime and turquoise colors, polka dots, stripes, wedge sandals and tops that tie in the front are big for spring and summer looks, Janice Perrell says. She’s the owner of Jan’s Resale Boutique on Lincoln Avenue in Groves. Her shop also has new items and Perrell’s vendor publications keep her in the know. I was just in the store and found lots of cute denim skirts and jeans to pair with those trending looks.

Sass spelled out

It’s no wonder Oprah loves Initial Reaction jewelry. She can get her O in gold vermeil, a pure sterling silver base dipped in 14 karat gold, brightly colored enamel for casual looks even acrylic for the gym. I’m sporting a D acrylic key chain that looks like bone. It would make a perfect graduation gift and presents the “sass” makers promote. Scripts and fonts let you customize your look and charms add more individuality from this line. This site is one-stop shopping for all the women in your life.

Pitmasters share

My mother says her social calendar is full and I propose everyone should be just as active. If you’re not invited to a party (and all decked out in items mentioned above) then throw one yourself. “All Fired Up: Smokin’ Hot BBQ Secrets from The South’s Best Pitmasters” takes readers from Carolina mustard and vinegar sauces to a Kansas City molasses treat, the white mayo-base sauce I have heard lore of and back home to the wet stuff we like in Texas. Troy Black and editors of Southern Living cover barbecuing, brining, grilling and smoking and photos of the kind of southern living we all like to do help make this book a work of art. There’s more than the Hot Chix, pigging out, beef, tuna and veggies. Grilled bok choy, making sauce of simply ketchup and mango chutney, and a banana pudding with a high fluffy topping are ideas to savor. Here’s something to go on:

Ginger Rub

2 tablespoons ground ginger

½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper

Lemon-Dijon Marinade

Makes about 2 ½ cups

Hands”on Time: 10 minutes

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons grated lemon rind

¼ cup grated lemon juice

3 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons hot sauce

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, pressed

½ teaspoon salt

1.   Whisk together all ingredients

2.   Note: to prepare ahead, store in airtight refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature and whisk before using.