Melanie Fincher

6 days ago | southernliving.com | Melanie Fincher

Summer is right around the corner, and here in the South, that means church potlucks, backyard cookouts, park picnics, and plenty of good food to go around. Yeti's all-new Rambler bowls, available starting today, are built exactly for that. These versatile bowls are vacuum-insulated, so they’re designed to keep hot dishes warm all the way to the tailgate and cold dishes cool at the potluck. Not only that, but you can prep, transport, and serve your dish all in one—no container swap needed.

1 week ago | allrecipes.com | Melanie Fincher

Layers of vanilla custard, cookies, and sliced bananas are topped with whipped cream to make this quintessentially Southern dessert. But how did banana pudding come to be associated with the South? The truth is, there's no clear reason. It could be that the dish doesn't traditionally require baking, so it was good to make during the brutal summer heat. Or it could be that it can be made in large quantities, making it ideal for Southern social events like potlucks and tailgates.

1 week ago | southernliving.com | Melanie Fincher

The first Saturday in May will be here before you know it, and while the iconic horse race takes center stage at Churchill Downs, the fashion is a close contender—right behind the mint juleps. Whether you’re headed to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby or hosting a viewing party from the comfort of your own home, race day always calls for a fabulous Derby dress. We’ve curated a list of Derby-worthy dresses from Amazon. You’ll find bright floral prints as well as soft pastels that scream spring.

1 week ago | southernliving.com | Melanie Fincher

Maxxinstas know that TJ Maxx is a go-to for fashion deals, but its online outdoor section is also packed with stylish and affordable finds. Whether you’re sprucing up a porch, patio, balcony, or backyard, be sure to check out the store’s impressive selection of budget-friendly pieces that will elevate any outdoor space. We perused hundreds of items, narrowing it down to a dozen stand-out picks under $100, each looking more expensive than its price tag.

1 week ago | southernliving.com | Melanie Fincher

Springtime means patio season in the South (before it gets oppressively hot), and I was looking to outfit my patio with an affordable, all-in-one furniture set to enjoy the short window of near-perfect temperatures. But limited space and budget weren’t my only concerns—springtime in Alabama means both pollen and tornado season.