Blog | Golden Country Cowgirl

A Cozy Solo Thanksgiving Feast (With Keto-Friendly Options!)

Braised beef short ribs on a bed of mashed cauliflower - the star of a keto friendly solo Thanksgiving feast

Sometimes the most memorable holidays are the quiet ones. If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving solo this year—or you just want to treat yourself to something cozy and delicious—you absolutely can create a meal that feels special, intentional, and totally indulgent without going overboard. Here’s my plan for this year’s solo Thanksgiving feast. I’m not a turkey girl (never have been!), and with beef prices sky-high this year I briefly thought I’d have to rethink my usual plan. But then I remembered one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: braised short ribs. Rich, tender, deeply flavorful, and perfect for a smaller holiday table. This year’s menu is simple, comforting, and festive… with both a regular and keto/low-carb version of each dish so you can choose what fits…

Easy Summer Entertaining for Seniors: Hosting Without the Hassle

A small group of senior women enjoying a cozy summer evening on a porch with glasses of wine and simple snacks, highlighting easy summer entertaining for seniors.

When the summer sun starts heating up, the last thing most of us want to do is spend hours cooking in a hot kitchen or prepping a fancy gathering. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a little summertime magic—especially when it comes to sharing food, wine, and good conversation. As we get older, we start to realize that entertaining doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful. In fact, some of the most memorable get-togethers I’ve had were the simplest: a friend on the porch, a glass of wine in hand, a light breeze cutting the heat. Whether you’re planning a casual evening for two or just want to treat yourself, summer is the perfect time to slow down and savor. Here’s how to…

5 Things I’m Loving This April: From Clean Slates to Simple Joys

An Apple iPad with text on the screen that says 5 Things I'm Loving This April.

This past month has been a rollercoaster. After the recent floods here in South Texas, my yard—and honestly, my mood—felt heavy with dirt, debris, and general overwhelm. It’s wild how much your environment can affect how you feel. But now that the mess is mostly cleared and repairs are nearly done, I’m starting to feel like myself again. Everything looks brighter. Smells cleaner. The sunshine feels a little warmer. And in that spirit of fresh starts, I thought I’d share a few simple things that have brought me joy lately—nothing fancy, just little reminders that life is still good. 🌞 1. My New Cooling Towel (A Must-Have for Outdoor Work) The weather’s already starting to heat up here in South Texas, and working with the…

Texas Hill Country: Some of My Favorite Places

A road meanders through rolling hill next to a sign that says Wine Road 290. Text overlay says Best of Texas Hill Country.

Must-Visit Destinations for Your Next Adventure The Texas Hill Country is a place where natural beauty, rich history, and small-town charm come together to create unforgettable adventures. With its rolling hills, winding rivers, and vibrant wildflower blooms, this region offers a perfect escape for anyone craving scenic landscapes, outdoor fun, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone who enjoys exploring hidden gems, there’s something here for everyone. As a solo traveler and senior adventurer, I’ve spent a fair amount of time discovering the best that Texas Hill Country has to offer. From the iconic towns of Fredericksburg and Johnson City to peaceful nature reserves and unique attractions, this guide rounds up my favorite places to visit—along with insider…

Red Wine Tasting with an Aroma Kit: A Fun-Filled Evening at The 83 Winery

Close-up of red wine aroma kit vials and a wine tasting sheet used during a wine tasting event at The 83 Winery.

Have you ever tried to identify the subtle aromas in a glass of red wine? At a recent event at The 83 Winery, we took wine tasting to the next level using a red wine aroma kit—and it turned out to be a huge hit! The Aroma Adventure Begins I’ve always wished I had a better nose for wine. I know what I like and can often tell a particular varietal by smell but have never been able to identify individual aromas. I was aware of aroma kits so when I saw one on Amazon, I decided to give it a try. When I got it, it started out just for me, then to share with a friend, then with a group of friends. Before…

St. Patrick’s Day: History, Traditions and a Delicious Feast to Celebrate

A traditional St. Patrick's Day feast with text that says How Will You Celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is more than just wearing green and attending parades—it’s a celebration of Irish culture and heritage that has evolved over centuries. From its origins as a religious feast to its modern-day festivities, this holiday is embraced worldwide. In this guide, you’ll learn about St. Patrick’s Day history, how it’s celebrated today, and how to prepare a traditional Irish feast to mark the occasion. The History of St. Patrick’s Day St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and enslaved in Ireland as a teenager. He eventually escaped, but later returned as a Christian missionary to convert the Irish people.…

Lavender Farms in Texas Hill Country: Where to See the Best Blooms

A beautiful field of lavender in full bloom with text that says Lavender Farms in Texas Hill Country.

Texas Hill Country is famous for its rolling landscapes, charming small towns, and, in recent years, its breathtaking lavender farms. With ideal growing conditions for lavender, the region has become a hotspot for agritourism, drawing visitors who want to stroll through fragrant fields, pick their own lavender, and experience the calming effects of this beautiful plant. The best time to visit Texas lavender farms is May through July, when the plants are in full bloom, transforming the fields into a sea of purple. The town of Blanco, known as the Lavender Capital of Texas, even hosts an annual Blanco Lavender Festival to celebrate the harvest season. In this guide, we’ll explore the top lavender farms to visit, the best ways to experience them, and a…

Cheesy Cornbread with Creamed Corn: The Perfect Side

A close-up image of a sliced piece of cornbread, showing the melty cheese and visible corn bits, with a rustic wooden background and a chili bowl slightly blurred in the background. Text overlay: "Cheesy Cornbread with Creamed Corn – The Perfect Side!"

What’s a hearty bowl of authentic Texas chili without a slice of warm, cheesy cornbread on the side? While Texas chili might be all about bold spices and tender beef, this Cheesy Cornbread with Creamed Corn brings a perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and just the right amount of crunch. Together, they’re a match made in comfort food heaven. Growing up, cornbread was always a staple at the dinner table—soft, buttery, and served with everything from soups to BBQ. My mom’s recipe was a simple version like Betty Crocker’s Traditional Cornbread Recipe. But after discovering the bold flavors of Texas chili, I knew I needed a side dish that could hold its own—this cheesy cornbread with creamed corn is rich, flavorful, and made for pairing…

Authentic Texas Chili: A True Taste of the Lone Star State

A bowl of chili with text that says What is Authentic Texas Chili?

Growing up in Southern California with a mom from the Midwest, chili always meant something familiar and comforting: ground beef, tomatoes, and plenty of beans. It was hearty, filling, and perfect for a cool evening—but it wasn’t until I moved to Texas six years ago that I realized authentic Texas chili could be something entirely different. Here in the Lone Star State, chili is more than just a meal—it’s a bold, no-beans-allowed tradition that’s all about rich spices, slow-cooked beef, and deep, smoky flavors. I’ll admit, my first encounter with authentic Texas chili was a revelation. Determined to master this local classic, I dove headfirst into research, sampled bowls from chili cook-offs, and experimented in my own kitchen until I found my perfect version. In…

Best Wine Storage Solutions for Small Spaces

Smart and Stylish Storage Ideas for Wine Lovers If you love wine but live in a small space, finding the perfect storage solution can be a challenge. I’ve lived in spaces from a four bedroom 2800 square foot house to a 21 foot travel trailer so I’ve faced lots of different challenges. Whether you have small living quarters or simply have limited kitchen space, keeping your bottles organized and properly stored is essential for preserving their flavor and quality. Over the years, I’ve used lots of different storage methods so I have some recommendations for the best wine storage solutions for small spaces. The good news? You don’t need a full wine cellar to enjoy and care for your collection. From compact wine fridges to…