By Libbie Summers

From fragrant candles to flowery flamingoes, I’ve got you covered with fresh ideas for Mom this Mother’s Day. And, whatever you decide to get her, please make sure you include a note that tells her how much you love her…or even better, tell her a story you remember about your youth. I do my best each year to make my mom cringe with stories. We always get a laugh…well one of us does…that’s what the candle is for. 

1. Lilac Ribbed-Knit Polo Shirt from Acne Studios
Why? Because it’s soft and sporty and slightly retro and the perfect shade of purple. 

2. Grey Silk Palazzo Pants from The J. Peterman Company
Why? Because The J. Peterman Company catalog is the only one I read from cover to cover. I’ve been a fan since college…way before Seinfeld. 

3. White Crackle Oxford from Billy Reid
Why? Because Billy Reid does shoes right. The sizing on some of his women’s clothing is still a bit off, but his shoes…he crushes every time. These are timeless and timely. 

4. Platinum Whitening Pen and Mouth Guard from intelliWHITE
Why? Because Mom’s like white teeth! It’s simple really and intelliWHITE is supposed to be the new hot whitening thing that won’t leave mom’s gums sensitive. 

5. Powder Day Sprinkles from Libbie Summers
Why? Stop it already! What Mom wouldn’t LOVE some #libbiesprinkles. Even better if you get a jar for you and a jar for her and bake her something. Check out the #libbiesprinkle recipes on my website for ideas. 

6. 2018 Basic Planner from Marjolein Delhaas
Why? Because not all Mom’s love a flowery day planner. This one is bad ass and chic and cool! 

7. Lavender & Lovage Home Candle from Jo Malone
Why? Because a Jo Malone candle is like giving Mom a gift for a week! This scent is not too flowery either, a rosemary and thyme undertone make it have an earthy vibe. 

8. Wicker Ball Basket Bag from Ulla Johnson
Why? Because wicker handbags are all the rage and the shape of this one sets it apart from the rest. 

9. Flamingo Pool Float from Urban Outfitters
Why? Stop it already! The flowery flamingo has taken over for the swan. Mom will love the beauty of it’s gawkiness! Make sure to blow it up for her and then leave her alone to float in the pool! 

by Libbie Summers
Assisted by David Dempsey

An Easter basket doesn’t need to be filled with only candy! Here are a few things I’m loving right now!

1. Printed Cotton and Silk Blend Wrap Dress from Diane von Furstenberg
@netaporter
Because I love this thin maxi wrap dress for a spring travel staple to use as a dinner dress (with silk shorts and chemise under), as a bathing suit cover up or a light wrap over jeans and a tee. 

2. La La The Lamb Necklace from Gunner and Lux
@gunnerandlux
Because an adorable lamb is not just for kids and can add whimsy to any Spring look.

3. Gourmet Chocolate Vegetable Garden by Maggie Louise
@maggielouiseconfections
Because I love the chocolate work done by Maggie Louise and this vegetable garden box is quite possible the cutest thing ever. Those asparagus spears! 

4. Dinosaur Egg Cup from RedCandy
@redcandyuk
Because I love a soft boiled egg and toast. Put it in a whimsical egg cup and I’m all in! 

5. Spring Break Sprinkles
@libbiesummers
Because these “sprinkles with a backstory” just scream SPRING!!! I love them so much. 

6. Marni Velvet Pumps from Marni
@netaporter
Because a pink velvet pump is the new neutral. 

7. Bargain Cloth Napkin Bundle from Dot and Army
@dotandarmy
Because I love this female owned Southern company! Their seersucker napkins are adorable, but this bargain cloth bundle I especially love because it reminds me of France.  

8. So Much to Celebrate by Katie Jacobs
@katiejacobsnashville
Because the details of entertaining don’t have to be difficult and Katie’s book is filled with ideas and recipes for every occasion…and it’s as adorable as its author! 

9. Rosé Amigo Circle Bag from Ban.do
@shopbando
Because round bags and round pillows are everything this season and I love a pale pink to work with any look. 

by: Libbie Summers
Assisted by: David Dempsey
Label Designs by: Flourish Collaborative

IT’S A HAPPY DAY!!!!! ANNOUNCING…….

Somewhere between a book launch and a baby launch lies the feeling of this exciting SPRINKLE LAUNCH! For nearly a year I’ve been working on this project and I’m excited to announce that today (in my world at least) is National Sprinkle Day! Introducing my line of chic and whimsical story telling SPRINKLES!!! Sprinkles like no other! I’m told I have a story for everything and these whimsical and chic custom sprinkles are no exception. Beautiful colorful confections that render a giggle and sometimes even a belly laugh when decorating any dessert. Sprinkle them on top of highly frosted cupcakes, rim a chic cocktail glass, mix into a basic cookie dough before baking or cover an entire cake…the uses are only limited by your imagination and how much you eat from the jar.

Just the Facts: Size: 7 ounces (enough to decorate up to 6 dozen cupcakes! That’s a lot!!!)
Packaging: Sturdy plastic reusable jars with white metal lids, security seals and artful labels with a fun quote from Libbie Summers on the side to get your dessert conversation started.
Purchase HERE!

Hog Wild
Pink pigs on a wild carnival ride of color –think Missouri State Fair goes to Paris.
“Grandma made it clear that day with her switch –one doesn’t name or ride a pig.” Missouri, 1972
Purchase HERE.

French Kiss
French island blues mixed with bright sand whites and a pop of red lip. The only thing missing is a top bun and salty air.
“I knew I loved him even before I knew his eyes were the same color as the sea.” St. Barths, 1992
Purchase HERE.

Powder Day
White snowflakes as far as the eye can see that sparkle in the morning sunlight in the back bowls on Vail mountain.
“There are no friends on a powder day and lunch is for later.” Vail, 1995
Purchase HERE.

Pointer Sisters
White bones buried in a yard of vizsla orange.
“She got birdy in a way we had never seen before…then locked up and came face to face with a pheasant as big as her.” Montana, 2012
Purchase HERE.

Happy as a Pig in Shit
Pink pigs wallowing in a chic pond of chocolate.
“Grandma’s vocabulary was as shocking as the color of her pickles.” Missouri, 1980
Purchase HERE.

Cash Cow 
(Custom for Smith Brother’s Butcher Shop, Savannah, GA)
Tri-colored cows grazing in a field of chocolate and gold.
Purchase HERE or Smith Brother’s Butcher Shop

By Libbie Summers for Smartflyer
Photography by Teresa Earnest Photography

The folks at Smartflyer asked me to share my Savannah with their travelers. Get the full article HERE.

Photo by Teresa Earnest

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT SAVANNAH?

The people, the history, and the weather!

Savannahians don’t trade on pretense. What you see is what you get –a creative and colorful people with an infectious sense of humor and endearing stubbornness. I’m always in awe of Savannah’s rich history. A must when visiting Savannah is going on a proper tour, whatever your interest. And trust me, they never disappoint. Some of my favorite tours include: Architectural Savannah, Freedom Trail Tour, Genteel and Bard Fine Savannah Walking Tours (History and Ghost). Gates and Gardens Tour. Mild winters keep things moving while steamy summers slow things down. I attribute the weather to why Savannahians live and work at a gentler, more thoughtful pace. It’s refreshing to see how that pace seems to rub off on visitors after a couple of days into their visit.
photo credit The Brice Hotel

BEST HOTELS IN THE CITY?

At the top of my list is The Brice Hotel (pet friendly). I love the Brice for it’s soaking bath tubs, Pacci Italian Kitchen + Bar Restaurant, large outdoor courtyard and the adorable seersucker uniforms the hotel staff wears.

For small hotels/Inns, The Hamilton-Turner Inn (AAA/Four Diamond) is a MUST for it’s historic beauty, luxurious rooms, attentive service and quite possibly one of the best small biscuits I’ve ever eaten. (have image for this)

If you’re thinking about renting an historic home or cool loft, Lucky Savannah Vacation Rentals is the number to call. Lucky Savannah handles over 150 exclusive rentals in Savannah’s Historic Landmark District and will pair you with the perfect place for your stay and even fill it with groceries, flowers, cheese boards and special notes for your arrival.

THE MOST INSPIRING DISH YOU’VE HAD IN SAVANNAH?

It’s a simple thing that a cook may do with our locally grown ingredients that inspires me. The first time I had collards boiled WITH peanuts at a local BBQ shack, my world changed. It didn’t hurt that it was a side to the most wonderful pulled pork. Or, how the chow chow that Mashama Bailey from The Grey restaurant makes to go with her roasted “yard bird” (aka chicken) was so perfectly sour and sweet that it kept me up all night thinking about it.

A SIGNATURE SAVANNAH DISH/MEAL ENTAILS:

Bourbon, butter and peaches.

photos by Teresa Earnest

FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT?

The culinary scene in Savannah is on fire. Some of my favorites include:

The Grey: EVERYTHING!!! Amazing restored space, outstanding food, drinks and service.

Collin’s Quarters: Love the simple clean menu at breakfast and lunch. Their walk up coffee window is my favorite place to grab a coffee in town and the fact that they give away dog biscuits helps to seal the deal.

The Atlantic: An old gas station turned laid-back neighborhood eatery with a flavorful menu, extensive wine list, carefully picked beers and craft cocktails.

Sandfly BBQ: I dream about the pulled chicken sandwich.

Smith Brother’s Butcher Shop: A modern grocery store/butcher shop/lunch counter and the best house made garlic cheese spread you’ll ever eat.

Crystal Beer Parlor : …I have a crush on the lamb burger.

Circa 1875 : French bistro without the bravado.

Bella Napoli Bistro: The size and feel of an Italian grandmother’s kitchen…complete with the best homemade pasta, sauce and family arguments.

Beetnix :This place is the sole reason why I hope Buddha Bowls and Fresh Pressed Juices are always in fashion.

Mrs. Wilkes: A Savannah tradition –get the fried chicken.

Flying Monk Noodle Bar: I rarely stray from the White Elephant.

ANY TREATS YOU’VE EVER TRIED TO MIMIC YOURSELF?

Since I’m a baker at heart, I challenged myself to make the best Red Velvet Cake in the history of red velvet cakes. I wanted my “super cake” to be organic and lower in sugar than the usual Savannah version. Two months of my life later, I think I nailed it and published it in one of my cookbooks.

BEST SPOT FOR DRINKS AND A SOCIAL SCENE?

Yes, you can walk around in most of the Historic District with an open cup (plastic only) filled with libations of the liquor type –that alone should speak volumes. If you want to have a drink, walk by any courtyard on a Summer night and invite yourself in or hit up one of our many social spots. Some of my favorites include:  Abe’s on Lincoln, Perch, and The Jinx (for live music), Hitch , El-Rocko Lounge and Alleycat Lounge. 

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE CITY?

Savannah is filled with things to do with the littles. Make plans to go to the Savannah Children’s Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (founder of the Girl Scouts), Forsyth Park, Massie Heritage Center and save room for Leopold’s Ice Cream!

photo by Teresa Earnest at PW Short General Store

BEST PLACES TO SHOP?

The best shopping in Savannah is found behind the often colorful doors of our many boutiques and galleries that are filled with high end, hand made and hard to find objet d’art. *See below for my complete list of favorite go-to shops

ANYTHING ELSE WE MISSED?

Savannah is a rising star in the festival world. The Savannah Film Festival presented by SCAD, Savannah Music Festival, Savannah Stopover, Savannah Book Festival and Savannah Food & Wine Festival are each worth planning a trip around.

by Libbie Summers
Assisted by David Dempsey

This time of year I find my mind and all things in my life are inspired by the gorgeous flowers blooming around me. Here are a few of my favorite Spring flower-inspired obsessions! 

1. Peyton Leather Pumps by Gucci
Because these are not only gorgeous, they look super comfortable and a girl can dream.
@gucci

2. Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum by Guerlain
Because I can admit I actually bought this perfume after watching Angelina Jolie’s video and LOVE IT!
@guerlain

3. Chea Embroidered Denim Jacket by Acne Studios
Because I am obsessed with this jacket…obsessed.
@acnestudios

4. How To Draw Modern Florals: An Introduction To The Art of Flowers, Cacti, and More by Alli K Design
Because who doesn’t want to be able to bust out a cacti drawing when called upon to do so?
@allikdesign

5. Whipped soap; Beach Scented with Jasmine Flowers, Salt and Sea Air by 7ChakrasSoap
Because whipped soap. period.
@7chakras_soap

6. Wooden Decorative Spoon Set by ShabbyHappyDecoupage
Because these could “girly up” any kitchen.
@shabby_happy

7. Zuma Swimsuit by SEEA
Because I love a cool suit that protects me from the sun and doesn’t ride up my ass while I’m actually swimming.
@theseea

8. 1 Yard of Into The Gargen Sage in Oyster Linen for a pillow by Ashley Woodson Bailey
Because Ashley Bailey does beautiful work and I dream about making a pillow out of this fabric.
@ashleywoodsonbailey

9. Candied Whole Violets by India Tree
Because India Tree products are all natural and these candied violets can take a boring cupcake to BRILLIANT!
@indiatree