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Southern Whispers Summer 2019 Issue 1 SOUTHERN SUMMERS Gulf Coast living the BEST of BOTH worlds HOME GROWN Summer HARVEST Tips Taking Care of YOU Stop and smell the Magnolias Labors of Love The SOUTHERN RICH S story HEALTHY You HAPPY You BEAUTIFUL You r O y s a E m a e r D er m m u S e k a C e l sic m a e r ange D

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Southern R Simply Southern Scented Candles 100 soy wax that is grown in the USA Infused with essence oils Cleaner burning no toxins carcinogens or pollutants Lasts 30 50 longer than a paraffin candle SOUTHERNRICHS COM CONTACT SOUTHERNRICHS COM SUMMER 2019 ich s There s nothing that says welcome home like the sights and scents of the South Just a whiff of one of our scented candles in our Hospitality Collection will take you back to simpler times of sipping sweet tea on a breezy porch chasing lightening bugs on a humid summer night chatting with your belle or beau while sitting in a swing sticking your toes in the white coastal sand or following the smell of fresh baked pie from Maw Maw s kitchen The aroma can be sweet or tart sultry or subtle that s up to you Choose a different scent or style for every room in your home They make great gifts for your special someones and come in styles for everyone 2

Contents Best Of Both Worlds 4 Just Whisper 7 Bless Your Heart 10 Respect 11 Stop And Smell The Magnolias 12 That Beautiful Thing 14 Blessings For Belles 15 Healthy You Happy You Beautiful You 16 Vegetables For Every Occasion Southern Green Beans 18 Home Grown Summer Harvest Tips 20 Southern Rich s Labors of Love Treasures from the Heart 22 Summer Dream Recipe Easy Orange Dreamsicle Cake 27

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Best Of Both Worlds While it may be true that there are exotic beaches all over the world there is nothing quite like the white sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast Mix a sunny beach day with some southern hospitality and you ve got the making of a fabulous day down South Some say that it is difficult to distinguish summer from fall or for that matter winter from spring in our part of the world Why you ask That is easy darlin s because it s hot down here Spring is mildly hot lukewarm so to speak Summer is hotter than blue blazes and even fall can have a few days that are hotter than Georgia asphalt in the sunshine Why even winter can have it s sizzling moments if it takes a mind to You just never know It may be 25 degrees at dawn and approaching 80 by dusk on Christmas Eve Starla Rich Editor SUMMER 2019 Speaking of Christmas This is how you will know what season it is even if the temperature leaves very little clues Every inch of southern communities yes even including the beach hangouts will be trimmed in Christmas lights from top to bottom That s a subject for the next issue though You can t beat tropical paradise with a southern flair 4

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Nothing says southern like sweet iced tea Last summer my family travel to Iowa for a wedding The night of our arrival both families got together for dinner at a well known steak and seafood restaurant As customary the waitress took our drink orders first My daddy being the fine southern born gentleman he is asked for sweet tea The waitress smiled and explained that they didn t have sweet tea in Iowa well unless you put sugar in yourself We were not in Kansas anymore so to speak A favorite lawn tool perfect for southern summers is the backyard grill We love grilling out in summertime When Winn Dixie has a BOGO on baby backs and the Farmer s Market on watermelons it s time for a cookout The small town feel even in coastal communities brings country and city together like no other place Where else can you drive through quaint farm communities only to end up with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico Of all the places I d rather be the tranquility of the turquoise Gulf waters and the white southern sand is better than Calgon for taking me away This is where you can truly hear those Southern Whispers Summer 2019 It isn t every place you can sit on a southern wrap around porch and view the ocean but again it s the BEST OF BOTH WORLDS No place like the Gulf Coast and no place like home Let s sit a spell and chat 5

SOUTHERN WHISPERS The beach isn t just for vacation for us It is like our city park in summertime There are few places on earth where you can you find oak trees and ocean breezes in close proximity to each other besides the southern Gulf Coast Our cities by the bay speak a language all their own as the ocean winds dance their way through the maginficent oak trees along the coastal towns that hug the beachfronts These serene settings are the norm and their historical stories whisper a rich heritage that southern born and southern bred folks are proud of We love our hometowns The South is rich in history Ahhh the stories this lightouse could whisper There is history everywhere Even a fort over the Mobile Bay tunnel These mighty oaks line Cadillac Square in the quaint town of Dauphin Island They have been here since the days of the Lousiana Territory This park was a frequent lunch stop off for me as a child after our weekly trek to the beach Summer 2019 Don t let the serenity fool you The waters at the Gulf Shores pier are well stocked by nature with fish of every kind Be careful though small fish are lures for larger ones Whatever you do don t throw chum in the water We might not have America had battles not been won along the Gulf Coast 6

SOUTHERN WHISPERS The most beautiful voice in the world is that of an educated southern woman Winston Churchill Just Whisper Editor s Welcome by Starla Rich Sombody once said that if you want to capture someone s attention just whisper I learned this art years ago while working in the corporate world Unhappy customer calls were escalated to me when others were unable to communicate with them It didn t take me long to discover how to better handle them The louder they talked the softer I spoke You d be amazed the power of a whisper As a certified southern belle who has the gift of gab whispering doesn t come natural for me as my Maw Maw would say But honestly there is just something about a whisper and really something even more when it is with a southern drawl Winston Churchill one of the most renowned orators of all time stated that The most beautiful voice in the world is that of an educated southern woman From the lovely responses I have received over the years it must be true Editor Starla Rich Author motivational speaker encouragement coach blogger business owner mother college football fanatic political junkie certified southern belle Not necessarily in that order SUMMER 2019 Whether it is a polite yes ma am form a complete stranger in the grocery store or a hey y all from friends whether it is a bye bye and a quick wave from a receptionist at the doctor s office a come back now from a clerk at the gas station or the ma tre d at a favorite restaurant there s just something about southern hospitality that is like a breeze on a hot summer day In keeping with southern tradition we hope that Southern Whispers magazine provides that same 7

SOUTHERN WHISPERS sense of welcome that our southern hospitality brings As you take a stroll with us on southern streets and sit on the porch as we chat about our lives and our day I hope you feel the same sense of warmth welcome and family that I feel each day down South May the words we share be as smooth as silk and sweet as molasses Our goal at Southern Whispers is to become a virtual front porch where we can sit a spell and chat about life Southerners have learned more about life each other and ourselves through hours spent on our porches and breezeways socializing with family friends neighbors and strangers I think our porches are our practice stage for life If you re wondering what all we might chat about just know it could be about any and everything that matters to you in your life or your day health wellness brains beauty fashion fun faith family career community We want to have a balanced mix of inspiration perspiration motivation determination exhilaration and transformation all while savoring each moment in quiet whispered reflections We hope to inform inspire and even bring a smile or two Let us know if you are enjoying the magazine or if there are topics you would like to see in future issues We welcome your feedback Welcome Y all SUMMER 2019 8

SOUTHERN WHISPERS GET YOUR C OPY TODAY From a shy insecure church girl to a trusting and na ve young alcoholic addict s wife and from religious tradition to physical abuse and abandonment Starla Rich has traveled a long road from childhood to womanhood It was a road that began and ended deep within her heart The author invites you to walk along the path of this journey within Starla shares her experiences with such raw emotion and courageous vulnerability that you will find yourself not just swept up in her journey but walking one of your own STARLA RICH COM SUMMER 2019 9

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Bless Your Heart Someone once said that the South isn t just a place but a way of life It s true y all Southerners are raised from the time we can speak to say yes ma am or sir to EVERYONE to show respect for young and old to be polite even to strangers and to mind our manners whether we like someone or not A simple bless your heart covers a multitude of sins SUMMER 2019 10

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Respect If I never remember another thing that Mama taught me it was that sense of decorum That meant much more than the yes ma ams I mentioned earlier While those not from the South jest about what they don t understand the truth is these folks with the slow southern drawl speak slowly and deliberately for reasons only southerners know You see we learned to speak softly politely carefully and above all else to smile Whether it is a gentleman opening a door for a lady children holding their Maw Maw s hand up steps strangers letting someone with less items cut in line at the grocery store drivers giving a wave to someone who made room in traffic or neighbors simply saying hey y all there is an abundance of thank you s common courtesy and respect Age gender race or social status doesn t matter Everyone is a ma am or a sir and the golden rule is at the top of the list in the southern etiquette handbook Wish there was more of this in our world Kindness is always a good thing SUMMER 2019 11

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Stop And Smell The Magnolias I spent many of my young adult years as a single parent Divorce happens to the best of us Due to necessity and a drive to prove my worth I dove headfirst into my career I went well beyond my duties even taking on projects I was clueless about but determined to master Before I knew it I was working 90 hours in a week My son was spending much more time with his Nana Paw Paw and I was missing moments we could never get back Finally the weight of it all caused my body to crash and burn My health was erroding and I was so weak I could barely get out of bed over an hour at a time That full story is for another issue but suffice it to say I began a quest for a simpler healthy lifestyle While the illness changed my life forever the transition to healthy eating and daily habits was the greatest blessing I could ve asked for I learned much about myself during that time All my stuff skills southern manners education life experiences etc were of little value without my health If you don t have your health you don t have anything With no other SUMMER 2019 12

SOUTHERN WHISPERS choice I embraced that slower pace again that southerners value so much We understand that life is about more than what you can do or possess Smothering summer days when our babies are out of school and the sun his hotter than hell s blazes we slow down just a bit and focus on life love and each other Nothing is sweeter than watching your little ones build sand castles at the beach or chase lightening bugs in the summer night sky Nothing tastes better than hand churned ice cream that requires a bit of both sugar and sweat to freeze it just right What I discovered during sickness is that taking care of YOU means better caring for those you love Truth is my folks don t need my stuff nearly as much as they need me The being energizes the doing so take time to stop and smell the magnolias darlins The being energizes the doing SUMMER 2019 13

SOUTHERN WHISPERS That Beautiful Thing What do you see in that face looking back at you in the mirror While the person we face in the mirror each day should be our greatest cheerleader sometimes she can be our worst critic Voices surround us both past and present with expectations that no one can meet Photoshopped images of celebrities and models push us to attain a perfection that even the models themselves have not attained Shut out the noise around you ladies Silence the voices in your head and take some time to listen to the whispers of your heart Before applying primer on your sweet face each morning cover your heart with words of affirmation you are fearfully and wonderfully made Even on bad hair days you have that beautiful thing going on YOU ARE A TREASURE SUMMER 2019 14

SOUTHERN WHISPERS rly a e N re a OW nute an N i K m by S U r e O p Y ed the U s e l u D ab DI peop in r y ms i t 20 sicall artne c vi ren p n y e te ph be child e a e m v nc ha n 15 e inti l n o i vi me 1 o 3 w e and this n i 1 to bus a of ed s o exp Join us in offering hope to women and children whose lives have been turned upside down due to abuse neglect abandonment or loss from health challenges There is life after abuse after health challenges and there is hope Truly making a difference means not just providing a hand out but a hand up Aside from contributing resources for daily living our goal is to provide help support and opportunities for coping and moving forward To donate or read more about with personal and vocational goals and needs this worthy cause visit us at starlarich com blessingsforbelles SUMMER 2019 Thank you for helping us help others Starla Rich Founder 15

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Healthy You Happy You Beautiful You The movies have always portrayed southern gentlemen as tall stately with strong arms dashing smiles firm handshakes fine tailored clothing flattering words and chivaIrous manners Southern belle sterotypes have been portrayed with big hair flawless makeup manicured nails yards of ruffles and lace an uncanny sense of decorum and mastery of every social grace and etiquette known to woman From the time we were old enough to say yes ma am or sir we were schooled in basic rules of southern etiquette From a rather superficial perspective I confess I have often washed and styled my hair before going to the hair salon only to have my stylist wash and style my hair Expectations can be almost as big as our hair Don t get me wrong I believe if looking our best on the outside helps us feel more beautiful and accepting on the inside then we should be as high maintenance as necessary to boost our own self esteem Same goes for men I know some of you who spend more time in front of the mirror than you would dare admit Given that what I ve come to learn is that if I don t take care of my health first Summer 2019 16

SOUTHERN WHISPERS both in proper nutrition and diet adequate sleep etc and if I don t feed myself emotionally or spiritually no amount of make up hairspray or nail polish will make me feel beautiful Being beautiful or handsome starts from the inside out If we don t treat our bodies well there isn t enough paint on the old barn that can cover poor health Likewise if we don t nourish our mind and our spirits our attitude will be ugly no matter how much decorum we mimick In future magazine issues we want to provide beauty tips fashion ideas and more but for this premiere edition there are some basics that we want to lay down initially First DIET is everything It is more than a metaphor that you are what you eat Southern cooking can be healthy cooking too Yes really y all It is all about the quality of ingredients used Look for Summer 2019 much more on this topic I m not saying don t splurge every once in awhile We all do it All things in moderation makes you both healthier and happier Secondly SLEEP was designed by God for a reason our bodies will not survive without it Proper sleep is key Tubes of concealer can t hide extreme lack of sleep sweet girls and fellas those sun glasses only covers so much Future magazine issues will also talk much more about the role sleep plays in our overall health physically mentally and emotionally Lastly what you put into your mind and heart directly affect how you feel about yourself and others Be your own best pep squad Spend QUIET TIME in devotion listening to the whispers of your heart and the ONE who made that heart And here s a bonus thought WALK AWAY from everything and everyone that puts poison in your body mind and spirit 17

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Southern Green Beans Summer bar b ques down South can be an all day ordeal if you are inviting friends and family Why Because the key is to cook slow and low for melt in your mouth bar b que The question becomes what do I want to serve for a hearty side This Southern Green Bean recipe is a family favorite providing several veges in one dish Oh and it has one ingredient that old fashioned southern cooks can t live without BACON This recipe will carry you into the fall and winter months for a holiday side as well Prep Time Cook Time Total Time Servings 15 minutes 25 minutes 40 minutes 4 people INGREDIENTS 6 slices bacon chopped 1 tablespoon butter 1 red onion chopped 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed and snapped 8 small new potatoes diced 1 large clove garlic minced 1 4 cup chicken broth 1 1 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar salt and pepper to taste SUMMER 2019 DIRECTIONS 1 Placed the chopped bacon in a skillet and cook over medium heat stirring occasionally until evenly browned 8 to 10 minutes Drain the bacon pieces on a paper towel lined plate 2 Melt the butter in a skillet with a lid over medium low heat and cook and stir the onion until translucent about 5 minutes Stir in the cooked bacon green beans potatoes garlic and chicken broth Bring to a boil cover and simmer over low heat until the green beans are tender about 10 minutes Sprinkle with vinegar salt and pepper and serve 18

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Home Grown Summer Harvest Tips While it is snowing elsewhere we can plant gardens by Easter Home grown beats store bought any day Just prepare for that one last freeze though SUMMER 2019 20

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Who needs acreage to raise fresh veges With daily care garden fresh is possible even in the smallest of places No yard Grow herbs in your windowsill or tomatoes in a large pot on your patio Home grown is possible no matter what The secret to garden success isn t just what you put into your garden but what you don t No preservatives harsh chemicals or pesticides equals healthier diet Even natural fertilizer can be harmful if overused Research your soil your local environment and the type of produce you want to grow to determine what helps and hurts Certain fertilizers manure are way too acidic for some veges Less is more when it comes to growth agents Sunshine rain and hands on daily TLC go a long way SUMMER 2019 21

SOUTHERN WHISPERS F E A T U R E S T O R Y Southern Rich s Labors of Love Treasures from the Heart WHAT STARTED AS A HOBBY IN RETIREMENT TURNED INTO LABORS OF LOVE AS THE PATRIARCH OF THE RICH FAMILY BEGAN CARVING TREASURES IN HIS LITTLE BACKYARD SHOP Albert Coy Rich had worked with his hands his whole life One of 5 children born in rural North Alabama Coy spent his early years hoeing rows of corn picking cotton and helping his mama daddy and siblings on their family farm When Coy got older he found something else he could do with his hands and feet Coy became the star running back of his high school football team Breaking All County records he managed to surprise everyone What his small 5 8 stature lacked in height he made up SUMMER 2019 22

SOUTHERN WHISPERS in speed His yearbook nickname became Speedy Rich After high school Coy did what many young men did his age he joined the military and began working with his hands yet again This time he was serving his country as an Air Craft Mechanic for the Air Force He spent time in training then was shipped overseas For more info visit www southernrichs com Once Coy s four year enlistment was up he signed up for trade school and received his certification as a Class A metal machinist Over the course of 40 plus years Coy developed expertise in machinery with an amazing eye for accuracy and a disposition of perfection Due to back injuries and hearing loss scars of the trade both in the Air Force and in machine work Coy put down his metal lathe and soon found himself with idle time and idle hands both of which he was unaccustomed to In the years following Coy traded his metal lathe for a wood working lathe and picked up carving tools that would allow his skilled hands to once again not only be busy but create one of a kind treasures from nothing more than a stump a log or raw pieces of wood Coy designed lamps bowls tables benches and everything that both his mind and the wood could imagine Some ideas started as one thing but the wood would take on a life of its own and Coy would have a brand new unexpected treasure Because these treasures began to pile up Coy started giving them away to family and friends if for no other reason than to make room in their cluttered house and shop With the help of his daughter Starla and his grandson Josh Coy turned a hobby into a family business affair and Southern Rich s was born The thing that might be surprising is that Coy is almost 86 years old His tireless passion for work his creative imagination and attention to detail continues to lead him down the back steps and across the yard to his little shop in the Meadows SUMMER 2019 23

SOUTHERN WHISPERS THE CAPTAIN S TABLE This beautiful design though one of a kind has been an inspirational pattern for similar tables of various sizes Makes a lovely coffee table and a wonderful conversation piece THE OUTHOUSE LAMP FOOTBALL LAMP SWIVEL LAMP Yes this fun piece is patterned Sports fans love this official reg Mimicking a ballbearing this after a real outhouse inside ulation size football lamp with lamp can actually be swiveled and out and it s a two seater real laces set on its own tee to various positions WAGON WHEEL ROCKER A cozy and quaint loveseat rocker reminiscient of riding atop a horsedrawn wagon The realistic wagon wheels complete the rustic design and the rocker is the perfect size to snuggle up for an afternoon chat or nap on the porch SUMMER 2019 24

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Southern Rich s home decor ranges from accent bowls as seen here to this Captain s Wheel coat and hat rack on the right Each creation has its own unique style reflecting the natural beauty of the wood used Whether you use this as a mud bench plant stand or just a decorative accent this piece on the left is one of a kind The design is rustic with the bark still visible around the edges yet elegant Suitable for any decor Working with the natural shape and grain of the wood this accent table is one large stump To complete the look a customized glass top was added Sturdy original and a treasured collectible SUMMER 2019 25

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Easy Orange Dreamsicle Cake Among the memories of summers gone by is the sweet cool refreshing taste of a dreamsicle Summer simply wasn t summer without a trek to the corner store or listening to the sound of Pop Goes The Weasel blaring down the street as you anxiously waited for the Ice Cream man so that you could purchase that perfect orange popsicle It was like sunshine on a stick This Easy Orange Dreamsicle Cake evokes those warm memories with the perfect blend of orange cake and sweet creamy filling If you need the perfect go to summer dessert to wow your guests or simply bring a smile to the kids this recipe may just be the one Prep Time Cook Time Total Time Servings 15 minutes 30 minutes 45 minutes 12 people INGREDIENTS 1 box yellow cake mix can use orange 1 1 2 cups whole milk 1 2 cup canola oil 4 large eggs Cream Cheese Frosting 1 box orange Jello 3 ounce 1 pound powdered sugar 1 box instant vanilla pudding 3 4 ounce 1 2 cup vegetable shortening Filling 1 2 teaspoon salt 1 2 cup crushed pineapple drained 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 2 cup granulated sugar 3 4 tablespoons whole milk 3 4 cup full fat sour cream 4 ounces full fat cream cheese 1 package thawed thawed SUMMER 2019 frozen coconut 6 ounce 27

SOUTHERN WHISPERS INSTRUCTIONS Filling 1 Mix all of the filling ingredients together in a medium bowl Reserve 1 2 to 3 4 cup for frosting Cake 1 In either a stand mixer or using an electric hand mixer combine all of the ingredients together and beat for 3 minutes Scrape the bottom and the sides of the bowl occasionally 2 Grease and flour two 8 or 9 inch round cake pans Shake out any excess flour Set aside 3 Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared cake pans Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick when inserted comes out clean Frosting 1 Add 1 2 to 3 4 cup of the filling to the prepared cream cheese frosting see below Mix together well with a rubber spatula Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until you are ready to frost the cake 2 To make homemade cream cheese frosting Using a beater attachment add all of the ingredients and beat until smooth and fluffy Add a little milk at a time until you get the consistency you want You ll want this frosting to be a little thicker than normal SUMMER 2019 28

SOUTHERN WHISPERS To assemble the cake 1 Place one cake on a plate or serving platter Place filling on top of the cake Keep the filling about 1 inch away from the edges of the cake Place the second cake on top of the filling 2 Gently spread the frosting on the top and around the sides of the cake Top with a few thin slices of oranges for garnish SUMMER 2019 29

SOUTHERN WHISPERS Southern Whispers Copyright 2019 All rights reserved starlarich com Summer 2019