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The Rise Of The Modern Rodeo

Posted on by gigis ramblings
Cowboy riding a bucking horse during a dusty golden-hour rodeo in a packed Texas-inspired arena, with spectators, horses, and rodeo lights in the background.

There was a time when being a good cowboy wasn’t something you could demonstrate with a fancy buckle or a televised competition. You proved it on the ranch, during cattle drives, at roundups, and whenever there was a job that required a steady hand, a good horse, and nerves that didn’t quit when things got lively. Somewhere along the way, those everyday skills became entertainment, competition, and eventually one of America’s most recognizable sports.

The modern rodeo has deep roots in the working traditions of the American West, but its story is a little more complicated than the familiar image of a cowboy climbing onto a bucking horse. Rodeo developed over decades, borrowing from Mexican vaquero traditions, cattle-handling practices, frontier contests, traveling Wild West shows, and community celebrations. What began as informal displays of skill eventually grew into organized competitions with rules, professional contestants, major arenas, and championship titles.

Before Rodeo Was A Sport

The word “rodeo” comes from the Spanish word rodear, meaning to surround or go around. Long before rodeo became a ticketed sporting event, the word referred to cattle roundups associated with Spanish and Mexican ranching traditions.

During a roundup, ranch hands had to locate, gather, sort, brand, and handle cattle. Those jobs demanded serious horsemanship and roping ability. Once the work was finished, it wasn’t unusual for cowboys to show off their skills or challenge one another. The line between work and competition could be mighty thin.

As cattle ranching expanded throughout the American West, these traditions traveled with the people who worked the range. After the Civil War, enormous cattle drives connected Texas ranch country with railheads and markets farther north. Between 1867 and 1886, an estimated six to nine million cattle were driven from Texas to Kansas, creating a generation of young cowboys whose skills would later become part of rodeo culture.

Cowboys Started Competing For Bragging Rights

In the earliest days, there wasn’t necessarily a standardized rodeo program. Cowboys competed wherever an opportunity presented itself, often during holidays, fairs, cattle gatherings, or town celebrations.

Who could rope fastest? Who could stay aboard the meanest bronc? Who had the nerve to wrestle a steer? These were practical skills, but they also made mighty fine entertainment when a crowd gathered around.

Some early contests were rough by modern standards. Rules varied from place to place, and events could continue until an animal finally stopped fighting. Saddle bronc riding, for example, was once essentially a test of whether a cowboy could remain on the horse. The idea of strict time limits, standardized equipment, judging systems, and carefully defined rules came later.

That transition from informal cowboy contest to organized sport was one of the biggest changes in rodeo history.

Wild West Shows Helped Create The Spectacle

The popularity of rodeo also owes plenty to the traveling Wild West shows that captivated audiences in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

One of the most famous figures connected to this transformation was Buffalo Bill Cody. His 1882 “Old Glory Blowout” at his ranch near North Platte, Nebraska, is sometimes described as an early landmark in the development of rodeo and a trial run for the entertainment that would become his Wild West show.

Wild West shows brought cowboys, horses, trick riders, sharpshooters, ropers, and dramatic recreations of frontier life to audiences far beyond the cattle country. Suddenly, Western riding skills weren’t just something people saw on ranches. They became a form of entertainment that could travel.

The shows also helped create the larger-than-life image of the American cowboy that remains woven into rodeo today.

Prescott And The Birth Of Frontier Rodeo

One important early milestone came in Prescott, Arizona.

Prescott Frontier Days began in the late nineteenth century, and some of its events became part of the evolving rodeo tradition. In 1889, steer riding appeared as a crowd-pleasing exhibition. What began as a bit of entertainment eventually developed into a contested event, with formal rules appearing in the early twentieth century. By 1925, actual bulls were being used instead of steers.

That evolution is a perfect example of how rodeo changed over time. An act that might have started as a cowboy showing off for a crowd could eventually become a recognized competitive event.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Changes The Game

Then came Cheyenne.

The first Cheyenne Frontier Days took place in Wyoming in September 1897. Local leaders were looking for an event that could bring people into town and help the local economy, and showcasing cowboy skills proved to be a pretty good idea. What began as a one-day celebration expanded quickly and eventually became one of the most famous Western events in the country.

Cheyenne also helped rodeo move toward organization and standardization. Cowboys traveled to compete at major events, and successful competitors began building reputations beyond their own hometowns.

Thad Sowder, for example, won the first bronc-riding contest he entered at the inaugural Cheyenne Frontier Days. In 1901, he was declared the “World’s Champion Broncho Rider” after winning at Denver’s Festival of Mountain and Plains.

That idea of a cowboy being recognized as a champion helped push rodeo toward the professional sport we recognize today.

The Rules Started Catching Up

Early rodeo could be chaotic. Different towns had different rules, equipment varied, and events weren’t always conducted in the same way.

As rodeo became more competitive, contestants needed consistency. Riders needed to know what counted as a legal ride, how long they had to stay aboard, what equipment was allowed, and how performances would be judged.

Harry Brennan became one of the important figures in that transition. A champion saddle bronc rider, Brennan is credited with helping develop the early “Cheyenne Rules,” which influenced many customs and codes that followed. He was also considered by many to be the father of modern bronc riding.

The sport was becoming less of a spontaneous cowboy challenge and more of an organized competition.

Women Were Part Of Rodeo From The Beginning

The history of rodeo wouldn’t be complete without the cowgirls.

Women competed in rodeo events during the early twentieth century, taking part in bronc riding, trick riding, steer riding, racing, and other competitions. They weren’t simply there to decorate the arena or wave from a parade float. Many were serious competitors who could ride just as hard and take just as many chances as the men.

Bertha Blancett competed in bronc riding and wild horse races beginning in the early 1900s and later appeared at major rodeos including Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Calgary Stampede. Bonnie McCarroll became another celebrated competitor, winning championships and becoming the first woman to win the bronc riding championship at Madison Square Garden.

Their stories are an important reminder that rodeo history has never belonged exclusively to cowboys.

Rodeo Becomes A Professional Sport

By the 1920s and 1930s, rodeo was becoming increasingly organized and professional. Cowboys traveled from one major event to another, competing for prize money and championships.

Producers began creating larger shows, advertisers promoted events, and announcers became important personalities in their own right. Foghorn Clancy, for example, became one of rodeo’s earliest major announcers and promoters. He understood that rodeo needed publicity if it was going to compete for attention with other professional sports.

The spectacle grew, but so did the business behind it.

Rodeo was no longer simply something a town organized for a weekend celebration. It had become an industry.

From The Ranch To The Arena

Perhaps the most fascinating part of rodeo’s evolution is how closely the sport remained connected to ranch work while becoming something entirely separate from it.

Ranching required roping, riding, cattle handling, and horsemanship. Rodeo turned those abilities into contests. Events such as team roping and steer roping retained obvious connections to working cattle, while bronc riding and bull riding transformed the challenge of handling difficult livestock into specialized competitions.

The equipment and arena itself changed too. Early bronc riders sometimes had to mount horses under primitive conditions, with helpers using other horses to control the animal. Eventually, modern chutes, pickup men, specialized livestock, standardized equipment, and dedicated arenas made the competition more controlled and predictable.

The cowboy still had to ride.

The difference was that now thousands of people might be watching.

Rodeo Finds Its Modern Identity

By the middle of the twentieth century, rodeo had firmly established itself as a professional Western sport. Major rodeos drew large crowds, contestants traveled nationally, and championship competitions gave successful riders opportunities to become household names within the Western world.

The sport continued evolving as organizations developed, rules became more standardized, prize money increased, and professional rodeo became more structured.

At the same time, rodeo remained deeply connected to Western celebrations. A rodeo could still be accompanied by parades, livestock shows, carnival rides, country music, food vendors, and the unmistakable smell of dust and leather hanging over an arena.

That mixture of sport and tradition is part of what makes rodeo so enduring.

The Rodeo We Know Today

Modern rodeo is considerably more sophisticated than those early cowboy contests. Professional competitors train year-round, specialized livestock are bred and selected for competition, arenas are carefully designed, and events operate under detailed rules.

Yet the heart of the sport hasn’t changed all that much.

A rider still climbs into the chute knowing that the next few seconds could be spectacular. A roper still depends on timing and horsemanship. A cowboy still has to trust his horse, his equipment, and his own ability when everything starts happening at once.

That is the strange beauty of rodeo. It became a professional sport without completely losing the rough-edged traditions that created it.

From Spanish ranchos and cattle roundups to dusty frontier celebrations, traveling Wild West shows, enormous modern arenas, and championship stages, rodeo has spent more than a century turning the skills of the working cowboy into a sport of its own.

And somewhere underneath all the bright lights, announcers, buckles, banners, and roaring crowds, there is still that original challenge:

Get on.

Hold on.

And show everybody what you can do.

The Rise Of The Modern Rodeo

There was a time when being a good cowboy wasn’t something you could demonstrate with a fancy buckle or a televised competition. You proved it on the ranch, during cattle drives, at roundups, and whenever there was a job that required a steady hand, a good horse, and nerves that didn’t quit when things got lively. Somewhere along the way, those everyday skills became entertainment, competition, and eventually one of America’s most recognizable sports.

The modern rodeo has deep roots in the working traditions of the American West, but its story is a little more complicated than the familiar image of a cowboy climbing onto a bucking horse. Rodeo developed over decades, borrowing from Mexican vaquero traditions, cattle-handling practices, frontier contests, traveling Wild West shows, and community celebrations. What began as informal displays of skill eventually grew into organized competitions with rules, professional contestants, major arenas, and championship titles.

Before Rodeo Was A Sport

The word “rodeo” comes from the Spanish word rodear, meaning to surround or go around. Long before rodeo became a ticketed sporting event, the word referred to cattle roundups associated with Spanish and Mexican ranching traditions.

During a roundup, ranch hands had to locate, gather, sort, brand, and handle cattle. Those jobs demanded serious horsemanship and roping ability. Once the work was finished, it wasn’t unusual for cowboys to show off their skills or challenge one another. The line between work and competition could be mighty thin.

As cattle ranching expanded throughout the American West, these traditions traveled with the people who worked the range. After the Civil War, enormous cattle drives connected Texas ranch country with railheads and markets farther north. Between 1867 and 1886, an estimated six to nine million cattle were driven from Texas to Kansas, creating a generation of young cowboys whose skills would later become part of rodeo culture.

Cowboys Started Competing For Bragging Rights

In the earliest days, there wasn’t necessarily a standardized rodeo program. Cowboys competed wherever an opportunity presented itself, often during holidays, fairs, cattle gatherings, or town celebrations.

Who could rope fastest? Who could stay aboard the meanest bronc? Who had the nerve to wrestle a steer? These were practical skills, but they also made mighty fine entertainment when a crowd gathered around.

Some early contests were rough by modern standards. Rules varied from place to place, and events could continue until an animal finally stopped fighting. Saddle bronc riding, for example, was once essentially a test of whether a cowboy could remain on the horse. The idea of strict time limits, standardized equipment, judging systems, and carefully defined rules came later.

That transition from informal cowboy contest to organized sport was one of the biggest changes in rodeo history.

Wild West Shows Helped Create The Spectacle

The popularity of rodeo also owes plenty to the traveling Wild West shows that captivated audiences in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

One of the most famous figures connected to this transformation was Buffalo Bill Cody. His 1882 “Old Glory Blowout” at his ranch near North Platte, Nebraska, is sometimes described as an early landmark in the development of rodeo and a trial run for the entertainment that would become his Wild West show.

Wild West shows brought cowboys, horses, trick riders, sharpshooters, ropers, and dramatic recreations of frontier life to audiences far beyond the cattle country. Suddenly, Western riding skills weren’t just something people saw on ranches. They became a form of entertainment that could travel.

The shows also helped create the larger-than-life image of the American cowboy that remains woven into rodeo today.

Prescott And The Birth Of Frontier Rodeo

One important early milestone came in Prescott, Arizona.

Prescott Frontier Days began in the late nineteenth century, and some of its events became part of the evolving rodeo tradition. In 1889, steer riding appeared as a crowd-pleasing exhibition. What began as a bit of entertainment eventually developed into a contested event, with formal rules appearing in the early twentieth century. By 1925, actual bulls were being used instead of steers.

That evolution is a perfect example of how rodeo changed over time. An act that might have started as a cowboy showing off for a crowd could eventually become a recognized competitive event.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Changes The Game

Then came Cheyenne.

The first Cheyenne Frontier Days took place in Wyoming in September 1897. Local leaders were looking for an event that could bring people into town and help the local economy, and showcasing cowboy skills proved to be a pretty good idea. What began as a one-day celebration expanded quickly and eventually became one of the most famous Western events in the country.

Cheyenne also helped rodeo move toward organization and standardization. Cowboys traveled to compete at major events, and successful competitors began building reputations beyond their own hometowns.

Thad Sowder, for example, won the first bronc-riding contest he entered at the inaugural Cheyenne Frontier Days. In 1901, he was declared the “World’s Champion Broncho Rider” after winning at Denver’s Festival of Mountain and Plains.

That idea of a cowboy being recognized as a champion helped push rodeo toward the professional sport we recognize today.

The Rules Started Catching Up

Early rodeo could be chaotic. Different towns had different rules, equipment varied, and events weren’t always conducted in the same way.

As rodeo became more competitive, contestants needed consistency. Riders needed to know what counted as a legal ride, how long they had to stay aboard, what equipment was allowed, and how performances would be judged.

Harry Brennan became one of the important figures in that transition. A champion saddle bronc rider, Brennan is credited with helping develop the early “Cheyenne Rules,” which influenced many customs and codes that followed. He was also considered by many to be the father of modern bronc riding.

The sport was becoming less of a spontaneous cowboy challenge and more of an organized competition.

Women Were Part Of Rodeo From The Beginning

The history of rodeo wouldn’t be complete without the cowgirls.

Women competed in rodeo events during the early twentieth century, taking part in bronc riding, trick riding, steer riding, racing, and other competitions. They weren’t simply there to decorate the arena or wave from a parade float. Many were serious competitors who could ride just as hard and take just as many chances as the men.

Bertha Blancett competed in bronc riding and wild horse races beginning in the early 1900s and later appeared at major rodeos including Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Calgary Stampede. Bonnie McCarroll became another celebrated competitor, winning championships and becoming the first woman to win the bronc riding championship at Madison Square Garden.

Their stories are an important reminder that rodeo history has never belonged exclusively to cowboys.

Rodeo Becomes A Professional Sport

By the 1920s and 1930s, rodeo was becoming increasingly organized and professional. Cowboys traveled from one major event to another, competing for prize money and championships.

Producers began creating larger shows, advertisers promoted events, and announcers became important personalities in their own right. Foghorn Clancy, for example, became one of rodeo’s earliest major announcers and promoters. He understood that rodeo needed publicity if it was going to compete for attention with other professional sports.

The spectacle grew, but so did the business behind it.

Rodeo was no longer simply something a town organized for a weekend celebration. It had become an industry.

From The Ranch To The Arena

Perhaps the most fascinating part of rodeo’s evolution is how closely the sport remained connected to ranch work while becoming something entirely separate from it.

Ranching required roping, riding, cattle handling, and horsemanship. Rodeo turned those abilities into contests. Events such as team roping and steer roping retained obvious connections to working cattle, while bronc riding and bull riding transformed the challenge of handling difficult livestock into specialized competitions.

The equipment and arena itself changed too. Early bronc riders sometimes had to mount horses under primitive conditions, with helpers using other horses to control the animal. Eventually, modern chutes, pickup men, specialized livestock, standardized equipment, and dedicated arenas made the competition more controlled and predictable.

The cowboy still had to ride.

The difference was that now thousands of people might be watching.

Rodeo Finds Its Modern Identity

By the middle of the twentieth century, rodeo had firmly established itself as a professional Western sport. Major rodeos drew large crowds, contestants traveled nationally, and championship competitions gave successful riders opportunities to become household names within the Western world.

The sport continued evolving as organizations developed, rules became more standardized, prize money increased, and professional rodeo became more structured.

At the same time, rodeo remained deeply connected to Western celebrations. A rodeo could still be accompanied by parades, livestock shows, carnival rides, country music, food vendors, and the unmistakable smell of dust and leather hanging over an arena.

That mixture of sport and tradition is part of what makes rodeo so enduring.

The Rodeo We Know Today

Modern rodeo is considerably more sophisticated than those early cowboy contests. Professional competitors train year-round, specialized livestock are bred and selected for competition, arenas are carefully designed, and events operate under detailed rules.

Yet the heart of the sport hasn’t changed all that much.

A rider still climbs into the chute knowing that the next few seconds could be spectacular. A roper still depends on timing and horsemanship. A cowboy still has to trust his horse, his equipment, and his own ability when everything starts happening at once.

That is the strange beauty of rodeo. It became a professional sport without completely losing the rough-edged traditions that created it.

From Spanish ranchos and cattle roundups to dusty frontier celebrations, traveling Wild West shows, enormous modern arenas, and championship stages, rodeo has spent more than a century turning the skills of the working cowboy into a sport of its own.

And somewhere underneath all the bright lights, announcers, buckles, banners, and roaring crowds, there is still that original challenge:

Get on.

Hold on.

And show everybody what you can do.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and sixteen grandchildren.

A Beginner’s Guide To Book Collecting

Posted on by gigis ramblings
Colorful book collection with decorative covers, sprayed edges, and a cozy reading setup

There is something wonderfully satisfying about having a shelf full of books that belong to you. Maybe they are old books with worn covers and yellowed pages, or maybe they are brand-new editions with gorgeous artwork and colorful sprayed edges. Either way, there is something about a collection of books that makes a room feel more personal.

Book collecting has changed quite a bit over the years. While traditional collectors have long searched for first editions, signed copies, rare books, and antique volumes, today’s collectors have plenty of other reasons for building a collection. Some collect particular authors or genres, while others want every book in a favorite series. Some are drawn to special editions, beautiful covers, or those increasingly popular sprayed edges that turn an ordinary bookshelf into a colorful display.

The best part is that there really isn’t one right way to collect books. Your collection can be valuable, sentimental, beautiful, practical, or a little bit of everything.

Decide What Kind Of Collector You Want To Be

Before you start filling every available shelf, it helps to think about what actually interests you. You might already have a favorite genre, author, series, or type of book that naturally gives your collection a direction.

Some collectors focus on mysteries, romance, fantasy, horror, westerns, historical fiction, or classic literature. Others collect books by a particular author or try to complete an entire series. You might even collect cookbooks, children’s books, coffee-table books, poetry, biographies, or books about a particular subject.

Then there are collectors who are primarily interested in aesthetics. They might choose books because they have beautiful covers, interesting typography, unusual bindings, decorative endpapers, or sprayed edges. There is nothing wrong with that approach. If you love the way a collection looks together on a shelf, you’ve already got a perfectly good reason to collect it.

Collect What You Actually Love

It can be tempting to decide that your collection needs to be impressive, expensive, or filled with books other people consider important. Don’t fall into that trap.

If you love romance novels, collect romance novels. If mysteries are your thing, build a shelf full of mysteries. If you want every version of a particular favorite book because you love the covers, go for it.

A personal collection should tell people something about the person who owns it. Looking at your shelves should make you think, “Yep, those are my books.”

That matters much more than whether someone else thinks your choices are collectible.

Modern Book Collecting Is About Aesthetics, Too

One of the biggest changes in book collecting is the growing importance of aesthetics. Books aren’t only things we read anymore. For many collectors, they are also beautiful objects that become part of the decor.

Special editions can feature gorgeous cover art, illustrated pages, decorative endpapers, foil details, embossing, unique bindings, and sprayed edges. Some editions are designed so beautifully that they feel like keepsakes even before you open them.

I have to admit that I have hopped right onto the sprayed-edge trend myself. Those colorful and patterned edges are just so pretty sitting on a shelf, especially when several books with different designs are lined up together. Sometimes I don’t need a complicated reason for wanting a book. I see those beautiful edges and think, “Yep, that one needs to come home with me.”

And apparently, that is how a collection grows.

Special Editions Can Be A Collector’s Dream

If aesthetics are important to you, special editions open up an entirely different side of book collecting. Publishers and specialty booksellers regularly release editions that are designed specifically to appeal to collectors.

These editions may include exclusive cover art, sprayed or stenciled edges, illustrations, redesigned interiors, decorative elements, bonus content, or other features that aren’t included in the standard edition.

Some collectors buy only special editions of books they already love. Others enjoy hunting for limited releases and trying to complete a particular collection. The fun can come from the book itself, the search for it, or both.

Just remember that limited edition does not always mean valuable. Something can be highly collectible without becoming a financial investment.

Related: Why Local Bookstores Still Matter

Used And Vintage Books Have Their Own Appeal

Of course, new books aren’t the only way to build a collection. Used bookstores, thrift stores, estate sales, library sales, antique shops, and yard sales can be fantastic places to find older and unusual books.

Vintage books often have character that is difficult to reproduce. Worn bindings, old illustrations, handwritten names, bookplates, unusual advertisements, and even notes left behind by previous owners can give an old book a history of its own.

Collectors interested in older books may eventually become curious about first editions, printing information, publishers, condition, dust jackets, and other details that can affect collectibility and value.

You don’t have to become an expert overnight, though. Start by learning about the kinds of books that interest you and let your knowledge grow naturally.

Learn A Little About Editions

If you become serious about collecting, learning how different editions work can save you money and help you understand what you’re actually buying.

A first edition is not automatically a rare or expensive book. Some first editions were printed in large quantities, while later editions of certain books can be much harder to find.

Pay attention to publication dates, publishers, edition statements, printing numbers, cover variations, and other identifying details. When shopping for a collectible book, compare several copies rather than assuming the oldest-looking one is automatically the most desirable.

The more books you handle, the easier these details become to recognize.

Related: Leaves Are Falling, Books Are Calling

Set A Budget Before Your Shelves Take Over

Book collecting can be wonderfully affordable, but it can also become an expensive hobby surprisingly quickly. There is always another special edition, another beautiful cover, another favorite author, or another book calling your name from a bookstore shelf.

Setting a monthly or yearly budget can help keep the hobby fun instead of stressful. You can also decide ahead of time which books are worth spending more on and which ones you are happy to find used or buy in standard editions.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with building a collection slowly. In fact, some of the best collections are built one book at a time.

Take Care Of Your Books

Whether your books are brand new or decades old, proper storage will help keep them looking beautiful. Direct sunlight can fade covers and spines, while excessive moisture can damage paper and encourage mold.

Keep books in a relatively cool, dry area and avoid cramming shelves so tightly that books are difficult to remove. If you have collectible editions with delicate covers, jackets, or decorative elements, handle them carefully.

For valuable or particularly special books, archival-quality protective covers can provide an additional layer of protection. Just be cautious about using ordinary tape, adhesives, or home repairs on collectible books.

Keep Track Of Your Collection

Once you start collecting, it doesn’t take long to forget exactly what you own. A simple inventory can keep your collection organized and prevent accidental duplicates.

You can use a notebook, spreadsheet, app, or whatever system works best for you. Record the title, author, edition, publication date, condition, and purchase price if those details matter to you.

You can also photograph your books, especially if you have a large collection. Keeping track of special editions and series can make it much easier to figure out what you still need.

Don’t Confuse Collectible With Valuable

This is an important distinction for new collectors. A book can be highly collectible to you without being worth much money on the resale market.

Maybe you spent months tracking down a particular edition of your favorite novel. Perhaps you bought a beautiful special edition because the cover matches the rest of your shelf perfectly. Maybe you have every book in a series even though thousands of other readers own the same editions.

Those books can still be valuable to you.

Monetary value and personal value are two completely different things. Collecting becomes much more enjoyable when you understand that you don’t need to justify every purchase as an investment.

Let Your Collection Evolve

Your collecting interests may change over time, and that’s perfectly normal. You might begin with a favorite genre and eventually discover that you’re fascinated by vintage editions. You might start buying books for their covers and later become interested in particular authors or publishers.

You may even decide that some books no longer belong in your collection. Selling, donating, or passing books along does not mean you failed as a collector. It simply means your collection is changing with you.

Think of your shelves as something that grows and changes rather than a project that has to be completed.

Build A Collection That Makes You Happy

There is no perfect formula for book collecting. One person’s dream shelf might contain rare first editions and signed copies, while another person’s might be filled with colorful romances, fantasy novels, sprayed-edge special editions, and books chosen almost entirely because they look beautiful together.

Both are collectors.

The beauty of modern book collecting is that you get to decide what belongs on your shelves. Collect by genre, author, series, decade, cover design, edition, nostalgia, aesthetics, or simply because you love the book.

Maybe you’ll find an old treasure in a used bookstore. Maybe you’ll preorder a gorgeous special edition months before it arrives. Maybe you’ll spot a book with sprayed edges and immediately decide your shelf needs it.

There doesn’t have to be a grand reason.

Sometimes you just really, really like books.

And honestly, that’s probably the best reason to start collecting them in the first place.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and sixteen grandchildren.

The Sturgeon Moon Is Lighting Up the Texas Sky This Week

Posted on by gigis ramblings
Sturgeon Moon glowing over a Texas lake at sunset with a wooden chair and lantern on a dock.

There is something special about looking up at a full moon, but this week’s Sturgeon Moon comes with an extra bit of drama. The August full moon reaches peak illumination late Thursday night, August 27, and into the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026. For Texans, this is not just another beautiful summer moon because the Sturgeon Moon will also pass through Earth’s shadow during a deep partial lunar eclipse.

If the weather cooperates, this is one of those nights when it is worth stepping outside, turning off the porch light, and giving the sky your full attention. The moon will become dramatically darker and take on warm copper and reddish tones as Earth’s shadow moves across its surface. You do not need a telescope or any fancy equipment to enjoy it, either.

When To See The Sturgeon Moon In Texas

The full moon reaches its peak at 12:18 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, August 28, which puts the exact moment at 11:18 p.m. Central Time here in Texas on Thursday night. That makes Thursday evening the night to watch, particularly if you want to catch the moon rising before the eclipse reaches its most dramatic stage.

The moon will look full for much longer than a single moment, so you do not have to worry about being outside at exactly 11:18 p.m. Still, this year’s timing gives Texas skywatchers a particularly good reason to stay outside a little later than usual. Find a place with a clear view of the eastern sky, settle in, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness.

Related: Do Full Moons Really Influence Crime Rates?

Why Is It Called The Sturgeon Moon?

The name Sturgeon Moon comes from the sturgeon fish that were historically abundant in parts of North America during this time of year. The name is generally associated with Indigenous traditions and later appeared in almanacs that preserved and popularized seasonal full moon names. Different communities have used different names for the August moon, so the Sturgeon Moon is one traditional name rather than a universal name shared by every Native nation.

Sturgeon are large freshwater fish, and their seasonal abundance made August an important time for catching them in regions where they were plentiful. The name is a reminder that people once watched the sky and the natural world together, using seasonal changes in animals, plants, weather, and crops to keep track of the year.

This Sturgeon Moon Has An Eclipse

Here’s where this year’s full moon gets particularly interesting. On the night of August 27 into August 28, the full moon will move through Earth’s shadow, creating a deep partial lunar eclipse that will be visible across much of North and South America. NASA says the eclipse will be visible from much of the Americas, with the moon becoming noticeably darkened and taking on a rusty or coppery appearance along the portion passing through Earth’s darkest shadow.

At the deepest point of the eclipse, roughly 93 percent of the moon’s diameter will be inside Earth’s umbra, the darkest central portion of Earth’s shadow, according to NASA. Other astronomical calculations put the coverage slightly above 96 percent depending on whether the measurement refers to the lunar disc or the portion entering the umbra, but either way, this is a remarkably deep partial eclipse. A narrow portion of the moon will remain illuminated, creating a striking contrast between the bright edge and the reddish shadowed surface.

What Will The Eclipse Look Like?

A lunar eclipse does not happen because the moon suddenly changes color. Instead, Earth moves directly between the sun and moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the lunar surface.

As the moon enters the darker part of that shadow, the bright white full moon will gradually lose its usual appearance. During the deepest portion of the eclipse, much of the moon can appear dark red, orange, copper, or rusty brown because sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is bent toward the moon. The result can look almost surreal, particularly when the moon is hanging against a clear black Texas sky.

How To Watch From Texas

The best way to watch is remarkably simple. Find a location with a wide-open view of the sky, get away from bright lights if possible, and give yourself enough time to watch the eclipse develop rather than checking the moon for thirty seconds and heading back inside.

You can watch a lunar eclipse safely with your unaided eyes, unlike a solar eclipse, which requires proper eye protection. Binoculars can make the experience even better, while a small telescope can reveal additional detail along the moon’s surface.

Here in Texas, wide-open country roads, farms, backyards, lakes, parks, and rural areas can make excellent viewing locations as long as you are somewhere you are legally allowed to be. If you are photographing it, use a tripod if you have one, because even a bright full moon can produce blurry photographs when you are shooting handheld.

Make A Night Of It

You could simply walk outside and look up, but why not make the evening a little more memorable? Put a chair on the porch, make a glass of iced tea, turn off the unnecessary outdoor lights, and spend a little while watching the moon change.

This is also a perfect excuse for a late-summer gathering. Invite a few friends or family members over, put out some snacks, and let everyone take turns looking through binoculars or a telescope if someone has one. Kids who normally think bedtime is sacred may even decide astronomy is worth making an exception for.

A Late-Summer Sky Worth Remembering

August has already delivered plenty for skywatchers this year, including the Perseid meteor shower and a solar eclipse earlier in the month. Now the Sturgeon Moon is bringing the month to a dramatic close with a full moon and deep partial lunar eclipse happening on the same night.

So on Thursday night, August 27, keep an eye on the sky. The Sturgeon Moon will rise as a familiar bright summer moon, but as the hours pass, Earth’s shadow will slowly take over much of its face. By late evening in Texas, the sky will be putting on one of those quiet shows that costs nothing, requires no reservation, and gives you a pretty good reason to stay outside a little longer. 🌕✨

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and sixteen grandchildren.

The Best Places to Watch Texas Sunsets

Posted on by gigis ramblings
Texas sunset over a rugged canyon with a river, cowboy hat, and wooden chair overlooking the colorful landscape.

There is something about a Texas sunset that makes you slow down and pay attention. Maybe it is the enormous sky stretching across the horizon, or the way the last light turns the landscape gold, orange, pink, and deep purple. From the Gulf Coast to the wide-open plains, Texas has plenty of places where watching the sun go down can become the best part of your day.

You do not always need a fancy resort, expensive dinner, or carefully planned excursion to enjoy one. Sometimes all you need is a good view, a comfortable place to sit, and enough time to let the sky put on its show. If you are looking for some of the best places to watch a Texas sunset, these spots deserve a place on your list.

Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon is one of the most spectacular places in Texas to watch the sun disappear. Located near Canyon in the Texas Panhandle, the canyon stretches for miles and offers dramatic views of colorful rock formations, towering cliffs, and deep canyon walls.

As the sun begins to drop, the changing light moves across the canyon and brings out colors that can look completely different from what you saw earlier in the day. Find a safe overlook, settle in before sunset, and give yourself plenty of time to watch the landscape change. The wide-open sky makes the experience even better because there is very little competing with the horizon.

Related: Texas Cattle Barons Who Built Empires

Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg is another beautiful place to catch a Texas sunset. The enormous pink granite dome rises above the surrounding Hill Country, giving visitors a remarkable view of the landscape.

Watching sunset from the area can be especially beautiful when the evening light hits the granite and surrounding hills. If you plan to hike for a sunset view, pay close attention to park rules and closing times, and make sure you have enough daylight to safely return. You may also want to arrive early because popular viewing areas can become busy.

Big Bend National Park

For a sunset that feels almost otherworldly, Big Bend National Park is hard to beat. The combination of mountains, desert, rugged rock formations, and an enormous West Texas sky creates an unforgettable setting.

One of the best things about sunset in Big Bend is how much the landscape changes as the light fades. The Chisos Mountains can take on rich shades of red and purple while the desert floor slowly falls into shadow. Afterward, stick around if you can. Big Bend is famous for its exceptionally dark skies, making sunset just the beginning of the evening.

The Gulf Coast

Texas sunsets are not limited to the western part of the state. Along the Gulf Coast, the horizon becomes part of the show as the sun sinks toward the water.

Galveston Island, Rockport, Port Aransas, and other coastal communities offer plenty of opportunities to find a spot near the beach and watch the evening unfold. There is something wonderfully relaxing about sitting near the water while the sky changes color and the waves roll toward shore. Bring a chair or blanket, grab a cold drink, and let the evening take its sweet time.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

West Texas has no shortage of dramatic landscapes, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers another impressive backdrop for sunset. The rugged mountains rise sharply from the surrounding desert, creating a spectacular silhouette as daylight fades.

Because the park is remote, planning ahead is important. Bring plenty of water, check conditions before heading out, and know exactly where you are going. Even if you are not taking on a serious hike, simply being surrounded by that vast desert landscape as the sun goes down is worth the trip.

The Texas Hill Country

Sometimes you do not need one specific destination because an entire region delivers. The Texas Hill Country is filled with winding roads, rolling hills, ranches, limestone cliffs, vineyards, and open fields that make beautiful sunset scenery.

Around Fredericksburg, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Marble Falls, and Kerrville, you can find countless places where the landscape opens toward the western sky. A quiet country road or hilltop can provide a surprisingly beautiful view, although you should always make sure you are on public property or have permission before stopping somewhere to watch the sunset.

Lake Travis

Central Texas has plenty of places to enjoy a sunset over the water, and Lake Travis is one of the most popular. The lake’s winding shoreline creates interesting views as the sun drops behind the surrounding hills.

There are numerous parks, overlooks, restaurants, and recreational areas around the lake where visitors can enjoy the evening. A sunset near the water also gives you a chance to watch the colors reflected across the surface, which can make an already beautiful sky feel twice as dramatic.

The Texas Plains

If you really want to appreciate how enormous the Texas sky can be, head toward the plains. Around Lubbock, Amarillo, and other communities across the Panhandle and South Plains, the horizon seems to stretch forever.

There are fewer mountains and trees to interrupt the view, which means you can watch the sunset unfold from horizon to horizon. Clouds can make these sunsets particularly impressive because the fading sunlight catches their edges and turns an ordinary evening into something worth pulling the car over for.

Galveston Island

Galveston deserves its own mention because there is something special about watching the sun go down near the coast. The island offers miles of shoreline, historic surroundings, and plenty of places to settle in for the evening.

A sunset walk along the beach can be especially peaceful when the crowds begin to thin. You can watch the colors change over the water while the temperature finally starts to cool, making it an easy way to end a day on the island.

The Best Sunset Might Be in Your Own Backyard

One of the great things about Texas is that you do not necessarily have to travel hundreds of miles to find a beautiful sunset. Step outside on the right evening and you may find that the view from your own porch, backyard, pasture, or favorite local park is pretty spectacular.

Texas has an enormous sky, and that sky belongs to all of us. Whether you are standing beside the Gulf, sitting above a canyon, watching from a Hill Country overlook, or leaning against a fence somewhere in Central Texas, sunset is one of those simple pleasures that never really gets old.

So the next time the evening sky starts turning orange, do not rush inside. Grab a chair, take your time, and watch the Texas sun make its exit. Around here, it knows how to put on a show. 🌅🤠

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and sixteen grandchildren.

Why Local Bookstores Still Matter

Posted on by gigis ramblings
image outside local bookstore

There is something about walking into a local bookstore that online shopping simply cannot recreate. You can browse shelves without knowing exactly what you are looking for, stumble across a book you would have never searched for, and spend far too much time picking up books just to read the back covers. In a world where nearly everything can be ordered with a few clicks, local bookstores still offer something wonderfully old-fashioned: the experience of actually discovering a book.

For me, that feeling goes way back. I have been going to Golden’s Book Exchange here in Waco for my entire life. That is a pretty long relationship with a bookstore, and there is something special about knowing a place has been part of your life for that many years. It is not just somewhere to buy books. It becomes part of the landscape of your memories.

Bookstores Are About More Than Books

Of course, you can buy a book almost anywhere these days. You can order one online while sitting on the couch, have it delivered to your front door, and never even have to put on real pants. Convenient? Absolutely. But convenience is not always the same thing as connection.

Local bookstores give us a reason to slow down. You can wander through the aisles, see what catches your attention and discover authors you might otherwise overlook. Sometimes the book you leave with is not the book you went in looking for, and those accidental discoveries can turn into some of your favorite reads.

There is also something comforting about having a physical place in your community where books are the main attraction. Bookstores can become gathering places for readers, writers, families and curious people who simply love being surrounded by stories.

Local Bookstores Keep Communities Interesting

Every community has its own personality, and independent bookstores can become part of that identity. They give people a place to gather and create opportunities for local authors, book clubs, readings, signings and other events that bring people together.

That matters because communities need places that encourage people to interact with one another. A bookstore may look like a business from the outside, but inside, it can become a little meeting place for people who share a love of reading.

And let’s be honest, there is something pretty wonderful about walking into a bookstore and having an actual conversation about books instead of relying entirely on an algorithm to decide what you should read next.

Related: What Makes a Great Book Club Pick?

There Is Something Special About a Book Exchange

Places like Golden’s Book Exchange have another advantage: they remind us that books do not have to be brand new to be valuable.

A used book has a history. Someone owned it before you. Someone may have underlined a sentence, tucked a receipt between the pages or carried it along on a vacation. Even when you know nothing about the previous owner, there is something fun about realizing that the book has already had a life before it landed in your hands.

Book exchanges also make reading more affordable, which can make a huge difference for people who love books but cannot justify paying full price for every title they want to read. You can walk in with books you are finished with and walk out with something new to you. That feels like a pretty good trade.

Waco Has a New Bookstore to Discover

One of the things I love about seeing a new local bookstore open is the reminder that people still want these places.

Here in Waco, we have a new bookstore called The Raven’s Nook, and I have been wanting to try it. I have not made it there yet, but it is definitely on my list. There is something exciting about having a new bookstore to explore, especially when you already have a lifelong connection to another one.

I think that is one of the best things about having local bookstores. You do not necessarily have to choose just one. You can have your longtime favorite, discover a new place and find something different to love about each of them.

Bookstores Give Us a Chance to Slow Down

Our lives are filled with screens, notifications, advertisements and recommendations designed to keep us moving from one thing to the next. Reading itself gives us an escape from that noise, but visiting a bookstore can be part of that escape too.

You can walk through the door with no particular plan. Maybe you browse mysteries. Maybe you wander into the cookbook section. Maybe a strange title catches your eye from three shelves away. Before you know it, you have spent an hour looking at books and somehow managed to convince yourself that you absolutely needed three of them.

That is part of the fun.

Supporting Local Bookstores Helps Preserve Something Special

Shopping locally does more than put money back into the community. It helps keep unique businesses alive.

When an independent bookstore disappears, we lose more than a place to purchase books. We lose a gathering place, a piece of local character and another opportunity for people to connect over something they love.

That is why local bookstores still matter. They give us discovery instead of endless scrolling, conversation instead of algorithms and a physical place where stories can bring people together.

For me, Golden’s Book Exchange has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Now, with The Raven’s Nook opening here in Waco, there is another bookstore waiting to be explored.

And you can bet I plan on getting over there.

Because there is always room on the shelf for another bookstore, another story and, unfortunately for my wallet, another book. 📚

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and sixteen grandchildren.

How to Start a Family Recipe Binder

Posted on by gigis ramblings
Cozy family recipe binder surrounded by handwritten recipes, vintage family photos, and kitchen items.

There is something special about a family recipe that goes beyond the ingredients written on the page. Maybe it is your grandmother’s handwritten recipe for biscuits, the casserole somebody brings to every Thanksgiving, or a dessert that somehow tastes better when a certain person makes it. Family recipes carry stories, memories, traditions, and sometimes a little bit of kitchen chaos right along with them.

Unfortunately, those recipes have a way of disappearing. A handwritten card gets tucked into a drawer, a recipe gets scribbled on the back of an envelope, or somebody remembers the ingredients but not quite how Grandma actually made it. Before those little pieces of family history vanish, why not give them a proper home?

A family recipe binder is an easy, inexpensive way to collect those recipes in one place. Better yet, you can turn it into something your family will treasure for years.

Start With the Recipes You Already Have

You do not need to wait until you have a huge collection of recipes. Start with whatever is already floating around your kitchen.

Pull out the recipe cards in your cabinets, the printed recipes shoved into cookbooks, screenshots on your phone, and those mysterious handwritten notes that have been sitting on the refrigerator for three years.

Then ask relatives what recipes they have tucked away.

This is where the project can get especially fun. Ask Mom for her holiday recipes. Ask Grandma about the dish she made when everyone came over on Sundays. Ask your siblings what they remember eating growing up. Even recipes that seem ordinary can become meaningful when they are attached to a particular person or memory.

You might be surprised by how many stories come out of a simple question about a pot of beans or a pan of cornbread.

Choose the Right Binder

You certainly do not need to spend a fortune on a fancy recipe organizer. A basic three-ring binder works beautifully and gives you plenty of room to expand your collection.

Choose a size based on how ambitious you want to get. A one-inch binder is perfect for starting small, while a larger binder gives you room for recipes, photographs, notes, and family stories.

You can also personalize the cover. Add the family name, a meaningful phrase, or even a photograph of the family kitchen. If you are feeling crafty, decorate the cover with scrapbook paper, fabric, stickers, or anything else that makes it feel like yours.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is creating something that feels like your family.

Divide the Binder Into Sections

Once you start collecting recipes, having some basic organization will save you from digging through fifty pages looking for the Thanksgiving dressing.

Use tabbed dividers to create sections such as appetizers, soups and salads, main dishes, side dishes, breads, desserts, drinks, holiday recipes, and preserves.

You can also create sections based on family members. A section for Grandma’s recipes, another for Mom’s, and another for your own favorites can make the binder feel much more personal.

There is no rule saying every recipe has to fit neatly into a traditional category. If your family has a famous Christmas candy recipe or a particular Sunday dinner tradition, give it its own section.

Preserve the Original Recipes

If you have handwritten family recipes, do not throw away the originals just because you are making copies.

Instead, protect them.

Place original recipe cards inside protective plastic sleeves whenever possible. You can then make photocopies or scans for everyday cooking while keeping the original handwriting safely preserved.

Those little imperfections are often what make old recipes so valuable. The faded ink, coffee stains, crossed-out ingredients, and handwriting can tell a story that a typed recipe never could.

If someone in your family has beautiful handwritten recipes, consider scanning them so you have a digital backup too.

Add the Stories Behind the Recipes

This might become the best part of the entire binder.

Do not just write down what goes into the recipe. Write down why it matters.

Maybe Aunt Mary always made the cake for birthdays. Perhaps your dad burned the first batch of biscuits every Sunday until he finally figured them out. Maybe a particular soup was the meal everyone ate when someone was sick.

Those details turn a recipe collection into a family history book.

You can add a small section beneath each recipe called “The Story Behind It” and record anything you know. Include who created the recipe, where it came from, when your family usually makes it, and any memories connected to it.

Years from now, those stories may be even more valuable than the recipes themselves.

Include Family Photographs

A recipe binder does not have to be nothing but food.

Add photographs whenever you can. A picture of Grandma standing at the kitchen counter can sit beside one of her recipes. A photograph from Thanksgiving can accompany the family dressing recipe. Pictures of children helping make Christmas cookies can bring an entire section to life.

You could even add photographs of the finished dishes.

If you have older photographs, make copies rather than putting irreplaceable originals into a binder that will be handled frequently.

Related: Old Kitchen Trends That Are Making a Comeback

Leave Room for Future Recipes

One mistake people make is filling every available page immediately.

Resist the urge.

Leave plenty of room for new recipes because your family collection is not finished. Someone will discover a new favorite. Somebody will finally write down that recipe they have been making from memory for twenty years. A new generation will eventually add its own dishes.

Leave several blank pages in each section or keep a supply of empty sheet protectors behind the dividers.

Think of the binder as a living family cookbook rather than a finished project.

Create a Holiday Section

Holiday recipes deserve special treatment because they are often connected to the strongest family traditions.

Create a dedicated section for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays, family reunions, and other celebrations your family observes.

You could include everything from the turkey seasoning to Grandma’s famous pecan pie. Add notes about when dishes are prepared, who usually makes them, and any traditions surrounding them.

This can eventually become the binder everyone pulls out when the holidays roll around.

Make Copies for Family Members

Once your binder starts filling up, consider making copies for relatives.

You do not necessarily need to reproduce the entire binder. You could create smaller collections containing recipes from a particular grandparent or a favorite group of family dishes.

A personalized copy can make a wonderful gift for a child moving into their first home, a newlywed couple, or a family member who wants to carry on a particular tradition.

There is something pretty wonderful about handing someone a collection of recipes and saying, “These are ours.”

Keep a Digital Backup

Even the most carefully stored binder can eventually become damaged. Kitchens involve water, grease, spills, and the occasional unidentified substance that somehow ends up on everything.

Take photographs or scans of important recipes and store them digitally.

You can keep copies on your computer, an external drive, or a cloud storage service. Make sure the most irreplaceable handwritten recipes are backed up separately.

That way, even if something happens to the physical binder, the family recipes do not disappear with it.

Let the Binder Grow Naturally

Most importantly, do not turn this into another project that has to be completed perfectly.

Start with five recipes if that is what you have.

Add another recipe when you remember one. Call a relative and ask for an old favorite. Write down the recipe you make every Christmas but somehow have never actually recorded.

Over time, the binder will grow.

Eventually, you may find yourself flipping through it and realizing that you are not just looking at recipes. You are looking at pieces of your family. There are familiar names, familiar handwriting, old traditions, favorite meals, and stories that might otherwise have disappeared.

That is what makes a family recipe binder worth creating. It is not really about organizing recipes. It is about making sure the things your family has cooked, celebrated, laughed over, and passed down do not get lost along the way. And honestly, that is one cookbook worth keeping messy.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and sixteen grandchildren.

What Makes a Great Book Club Pick?

Posted on by gigis ramblings
Cozy book club scene with books, coffee, flowers, snacks, and a sign asking what makes a great book club pick.

There is a special kind of excitement that comes with choosing the next book for a book club. Everybody has an opinion, somebody usually has a stack of unread books sitting on the nightstand, and there is always at least one person hoping nobody suggests a 700-page historical epic. Choosing a book that works for a group is a little different from choosing something you want to read by yourself. A great book club pick needs to give people something to talk about long after they have turned the final page. It should spark opinions, questions, disagreements, theories, and maybe even a little friendly arguing across the dinner table. The best selections are not necessarily the most critically acclaimed books or the newest releases. They are the ones that give readers plenty to chew on.

A Story That Gives Everyone Something to Discuss

The strongest book club selections usually have a story that goes beyond simply asking, “Did you like it?” There should be characters whose choices can be questioned, relationships that can be examined, or situations that leave readers wondering what they would have done themselves. A complicated protagonist can be particularly useful because nobody has to agree about whether that character was right or wrong. One reader may sympathize with the character while another thinks they made terrible decisions, and suddenly the discussion has somewhere to go.

That does not mean a book needs to be dark, complicated, or filled with shocking plot twists. A charming domestic story, romantic novel, mystery, historical fiction book, or even a humorous novel can make an excellent selection if it raises interesting questions. Sometimes the simplest story can lead to the liveliest conversation because readers recognize pieces of their own experiences in the characters.

Characters People Will Have Opinions About

A book club can survive a predictable plot, but bland characters make discussion considerably harder. Readers need someone to root for, question, dislike, understand, or completely misunderstand. Characters with flaws tend to work particularly well because perfect people rarely give us much to argue about. Give a group of readers a character who makes questionable choices and suddenly everyone has a theory about why they behaved that way.

Relationships are equally important. Friendships, marriages, family dynamics, rivalries, and complicated romances can give a book another layer for discussion. Readers may disagree about which relationships were healthy, which ones were doomed from the beginning, or whether two characters truly understood each other. Those conversations can become even more interesting when readers interpret the same interaction in completely different ways.

Related: Saltwater Cove by Amelia Addler: A Perfect Weekend Read

A Book That Is Manageable for Everyone

There is nothing wrong with a long book, but book club selections should take the realities of people’s lives into consideration. Most readers have jobs, families, responsibilities, and approximately seventeen other things competing for their attention. A book that requires several hundred pages of reading every week can quickly turn a relaxing book club into homework.

Length is not the only consideration, either. A book with complicated language, an enormous cast of characters, or a confusing timeline can make it difficult for casual readers to stay engaged. That does not mean every selection needs to be an easy read. Challenging books can produce fantastic discussions, but there is a difference between a book that challenges readers and one that makes everyone wonder why they agreed to this in the first place.

Different Readers Should Be Able to Find Something in It

Book clubs often include people with wildly different reading tastes, which is part of what makes them fun. One person may devour mysteries while another reaches for romance, and someone else may normally read nothing but historical fiction. The perfect book club pick does not necessarily need to be everybody’s usual favorite genre. Instead, it should contain enough interesting elements that different kinds of readers can find something to appreciate.

A mystery might appeal to readers who enjoy solving puzzles while also giving character-focused readers something to analyze. Historical fiction can provide fascinating details for one reader while another becomes invested in the relationships. Even a romance can lead to conversations about family, independence, expectations, or personal choices. A good selection opens several doors rather than forcing everyone through exactly the same one.

There Should Be Something Beneath the Surface

Books become especially interesting for clubs when there is more happening beneath the basic storyline. Themes involving family, aging, friendship, ambition, grief, identity, forgiveness, class, community, or personal freedom can give readers plenty to explore. Sometimes the author makes those themes obvious, while other times readers discover them gradually through the characters and their choices.

Symbolism and recurring details can also give a book club plenty to investigate. A particular object, location, tradition, photograph, song, or repeated phrase may mean something different to different readers. One person might notice a detail that everyone else overlooked, and suddenly the entire group is looking at the story differently. Those little discoveries are often what make book club conversations memorable.

A Book That Can Inspire Different Interpretations

One of the best things a book can do is leave a little room for the reader. When every question is answered and every character’s motivation is neatly explained, there may not be much left to debate. A story with some ambiguity can be much more rewarding for a group because everyone gets to bring their own interpretation to the table.

An ending that leaves readers wondering can be particularly effective. Did the character make the right decision? Was someone telling the truth? What happened after the final chapter? Did a particular relationship have a future? Those questions can keep a conversation going long after everyone has finished reading. Just make sure the ambiguity feels intentional rather than leaving readers feeling like the author simply forgot to finish the story.

Something Readers Will Actually Want to Finish

Perhaps the most important quality of a book club pick is also the easiest to overlook: people need to want to keep reading it. A beautifully written book that nobody is excited to open can make for a very quiet meeting. The story should have enough momentum to pull readers forward, whether that comes from an intriguing mystery, complicated relationships, emotional stakes, humor, suspense, or the simple desire to find out what happens next.

A great book club selection does not have to be universally loved. In fact, a little disagreement can make the meeting better. What matters is that the book gives people a reason to care. If everyone finishes with a strong opinion, whether that opinion is “I absolutely loved this” or “I cannot believe you people made me read this,” you have probably picked a winner.

The Best Book Club Picks Keep Talking After the Book Ends

Ultimately, a great book club book is one that refuses to disappear the moment the last page is turned. It follows readers into conversations about their own lives, reminds them of people they have known, makes them question decisions they thought were obvious, or simply gives them a story they cannot stop thinking about. The best selections create that wonderful moment when someone walks into the meeting and says, “Okay, we need to talk about this.”

That is really the magic of a book club. It is not about finding a book every single person will love. It is about finding a story worth sharing. A great pick gives everyone something to bring to the table, even if those opinions are completely different. And honestly, when the coffee is hot, the snacks are good, and everyone has something to say about the book, you’ve got yourself a pretty darn good book club night. 📖☕

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and sixteen grandchildren.

Old Kitchen Trends That Are Making a Comeback

Posted on by gigis ramblings
Rustic vintage kitchen featuring wood cabinets, farmhouse sink, retro stove and checkerboard floor with comeback trends text.

There is something about an old-fashioned kitchen that just feels right. Maybe it is the warmth of wood cabinets, the charm of a farmhouse sink, or the sight of a well-loved kitchen table sitting in the middle of the room. Whatever the reason, homeowners are starting to look past the sleek, ultra-modern kitchens that dominated the last couple of decades and rediscovering some of the design choices our grandparents never thought twice about.

Instead of ripping everything out and replacing it with whatever happens to be trendy this year, people are bringing back the character, warmth and practicality of kitchens from decades past. Some of these trends are returning almost exactly as they were, while others are getting a fresh update that makes them work beautifully in today’s homes.

And honestly, some of these old kitchen ideas deserve their comeback.

Wood Cabinets Are Getting Their Moment Again

For years, painted cabinets seemed to rule the kitchen world. White, gray and every imaginable shade of greige took over homes everywhere, while beautiful natural wood was often painted over or removed entirely.

Now, homeowners are beginning to appreciate wood again. Oak, walnut, cherry, maple and even knotty pine can bring warmth and texture into a kitchen that painted cabinets simply cannot duplicate.

The newer approach is not necessarily about recreating a 1970s kitchen from floor to ceiling. Instead, natural wood might be paired with painted cabinets, stone countertops, or modern lighting. The result feels collected rather than stuck in a time capsule.

If you have an older kitchen with solid wood cabinets, you might want to think twice before reaching for that paintbrush. What looked dated a few years ago could suddenly be one of the best features in the room.

Farmhouse Sinks Are Still Going Strong

The farmhouse sink has been around for generations, and there is a good reason it refuses to disappear.

Also known as an apron-front sink, this style was designed for hardworking kitchens. The deep basin made it easier to wash large pots, pans and piles of vegetables without constantly battling a shallow sink.

Today, farmhouse sinks come in everything from traditional white fireclay to stainless steel, copper and even stone. They can look perfectly at home in a rustic kitchen, but they can also work with more contemporary cabinets.

More importantly, they still serve a practical purpose. A kitchen sink should be more than something pretty sitting underneath a window. It should be able to handle the mess that comes with actually cooking.

Open Shelving Is Back, But With a Little More Sense

Open shelving has cycled in and out of fashion more times than some of us have changed kitchen curtains. However, the idea itself is nothing new.

Older kitchens frequently used open shelves because cabinets were expensive, limited or simply unnecessary for certain items. Plates, mixing bowls, jars and cooking utensils were kept within easy reach.

Modern homeowners are bringing that idea back, although many are using it sparingly. Instead of removing every cabinet door, they might add two or three wooden shelves over a countertop or use open shelving to display vintage dishes.

That small change can make a kitchen feel much less closed off while giving everyday dishes a place to become part of the decor.

Related: The Best Homemade Jam Flavors

Checkerboard Floors Are Stepping Back Into The Kitchen

If you have ever seen an old kitchen with a black-and-white checkerboard floor, you already know how much personality it can bring to a room.

This classic pattern has never completely disappeared, but it is definitely getting another turn in the spotlight. Today’s versions can be traditional black-and-white, muted colors, natural stone, or even patterned tile that gives the same visual effect.

The beauty of a checkerboard floor is that it can be playful without feeling childish. It also works surprisingly well with both vintage and modern kitchen designs.

For homeowners who want something more interesting than another sea of neutral flooring, this old-school pattern has plenty of attitude.

Butcher Block Countertops Are Back On The Menu

There was a time when butcher block countertops were simply considered practical work surfaces. Now, they are being appreciated for their warmth and natural beauty.

Wood countertops can soften a kitchen filled with hard surfaces such as tile, stone and stainless steel. They also pair beautifully with painted cabinetry and vintage-inspired hardware.

While butcher block does require more care than some countertop materials, many homeowners consider that part of its appeal. A few scratches and signs of use can add character rather than making the surface look ruined.

In other words, this is one countertop that does not need to look perfect to look good.

Glass-Front Cabinets Are Showing Off Again

Remember those old cabinets with little glass panes in the doors? They are making a comeback, and this time around, people are using them to add personality rather than simply store dishes.

Glass-front cabinets are particularly useful for displaying pretty plates, vintage glassware, cookbooks or collections of colorful pottery. They can also make a kitchen feel larger because the eye can travel through the cabinet rather than stopping at a solid door.

The trick is not turning every cabinet into a display case. A few glass doors mixed into traditional cabinetry can create just enough visual interest without making the kitchen feel like Grandma’s china shop.

Vintage Hardware Is Returning

Small details can completely change the personality of a kitchen. That is why vintage-inspired hardware is becoming popular again.

Cup pulls, bin pulls, brass knobs, porcelain handles and old-fashioned latches can instantly give ordinary cabinets more character. Even replacing modern hardware with something more traditional can make a kitchen feel warmer without requiring a major renovation.

The same goes for details such as decorative brackets, beadboard, furniture-style cabinetry and turned legs on islands.

These details may seem small, but they are often what make an older kitchen feel like a room rather than a collection of appliances.

Kitchens Are Becoming Rooms Again

Perhaps the biggest old kitchen trend making a comeback is not a specific cabinet, countertop or flooring style. It is the idea that the kitchen should feel like part of the home instead of a showroom.

Older kitchens were often filled with furniture, artwork, curtains, cookbooks, baskets and things that made the room feel lived in. The kitchen table might have been where homework happened, bills were paid, vegetables were snapped and family stories were told.

Modern kitchens are beginning to embrace that feeling again.

Instead of hiding everything behind sleek cabinets, homeowners are bringing in antique furniture, vintage signs, old cutting boards, colorful dishes and pieces collected over time. The goal is not perfection. It is personality.

The Best Old Kitchen Trends Never Really Needed Fixing

Not every old kitchen trend deserves a comeback. Some things are probably better left in the decade where we found them. However, the return of natural wood, farmhouse sinks, butcher block, vintage hardware and other classic details proves that kitchen design does not always have to move forward to be beautiful.

Sometimes it can circle back.

There is something wonderfully comforting about a kitchen that looks like people actually cook in it. A little wear, a little history and a few pieces with stories behind them can make a room feel far more inviting than one filled with brand-new everything.

So before you tear out those old cabinets or decide that your kitchen needs to look exactly like the latest home-design catalog, take another look. That “dated” feature might just be waiting for its second act.

And if that old oak cabinet has survived three decades of family dinners, spilled milk and questionable cooking experiments, maybe it has earned a little respect. 😏

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and sixteen grandchildren.

Hallmark Fall Into Love Is Almost Here

Posted on by gigis ramblings
Hallmark's Fall Into Love is back with cozy romances, autumn settings and the perfect excuse to stay home on Saturday nights.

I don’t know about y’all, but I’m starting to get that feeling. You know the one. It’s still hotter than the devil’s front porch outside, but I’m already thinking about pumpkins, cozy evenings, fall candles, Halloween and everything else that comes with my favorite time of year. Fall is getting closer, and I am absolutely not mad about it.

One of the things that really makes it feel like we’re getting close is when Hallmark starts bringing out the fall movies. For me, Fall Into Love is basically the next best thing to Hallmark Christmas, and I’m perfectly happy to say that out loud. Christmas movies may get all the attention, but there is something about the fall lineup that I really enjoy. Maybe it’s the scenery, maybe it’s the cozy storylines, or maybe I just have a weakness for movies where somebody returns to their hometown and unexpectedly falls for the person they absolutely did not plan on falling for.

Whatever it is, I’m here for it.

Fall Is My Hallmark Sweet Spot

I love Hallmark Christmas movies, but fall movies have their own personality. They’re cozy without being covered in Christmas decorations, and they give us all the things I love about autumn without rushing straight into the holidays. There’s usually a charming little town, a family business, a fall festival, an old friendship or relationship that needs revisiting, and two people who somehow need an entire movie to figure out what the audience already knew within the first fifteen minutes.

And honestly, that’s part of the fun.

I’m not watching these movies because I expect some shocking plot twist that changes everything I thought I knew. I’m watching because sometimes I want something comfortable. Real life has enough stress, complicated relationships, bad news and unexpected nonsense. There is something wonderfully relaxing about sitting down with a movie where I know I’m probably going to get a beautiful setting, a little romance, a few misunderstandings and a happy ending.

That’s entertainment I can get behind.

Fall also gives Hallmark some of the prettiest settings of the year. I love seeing those little towns dressed up for autumn, with pumpkins, trees changing colors, farmers markets, festivals and all the other things that make fall feel like fall. It makes me want to grab a blanket, light a candle and stay home for the evening.

Of course, living in Texas means I may have to pretend it’s cold outside for a while longer. That’s okay. I’m very good at pretending when pumpkins are involved.

Related: Happy Augtober! The Unofficial First Day of Fall

Fall Into Love Starts August 22

Hallmark’s official Fall Into Love event begins Saturday, August 22, with Love Finds You, starring Aimeé Teegarden and Chris McNally. The movie kicks off a lineup of new romantic stories airing on Saturday nights throughout the fall.

Before that, Hallmark is giving us a little preview with Aussie at Heart on August 15. So technically, I don’t even have to wait until next weekend to start getting into the fall movie mood.

I’m certainly not going to complain about that.

The lineup continues with Much About Love on August 29, followed by more new movies throughout September. There are romance stories, mysteries and plenty of the kind of cozy fall settings that make me want to crawl under a blanket and stay there until somebody tells me it’s time for Christmas movies.

One of the September movies that immediately caught my attention is Garage Sale Mysteries: Murder Takes the Stage. A true-crime book club, a murder and a Lizzie Borden reenactment? Now we’re talking. Hallmark apparently decided to sneak a little murder into my fall movie season, and as somebody who enjoys a good mystery, I am perfectly okay with that.

Then there’s Pumpkin Regatta Romance later in September, which has exactly the sort of ridiculous-but-fun premise that makes Hallmark movies so entertaining. I mean, we’re talking about pumpkins, a regatta, a family feud and romance. I’m not saying I know how all of that is going to come together, but I’m absolutely willing to sit there and watch it happen.

Saturday Nights Just Got Better

There is something I really love about having movies like these to look forward to on Saturday nights. By the time the weekend gets here, I’ve usually had enough of everything that needs to be done. Sometimes I don’t want to go anywhere or accomplish anything particularly impressive. I just want to settle in at home and enjoy myself.

That’s where Hallmark comes in.

Give me a cozy house, something good to eat, a warm drink, one of my favorite fall scents going and a movie that doesn’t require me to think too hard, and I’m happy. I don’t need every movie I watch to be serious or complicated. Sometimes I want a little escape, and Hallmark is pretty darn good at providing one.

Fall Into Love is especially good for that because it gives us the feeling of fall without making us jump straight into Christmas. I love Christmas, but I’m not ready to skip over my pumpkins and Halloween just yet. There is a whole season in between summer and Christmas that deserves some attention.

And I’m going to give it plenty.

Related: My Favorite Hallmark Christmas Movies: A Countdown to Cheer

Then Comes the Christmas Countdown

Of course, we all know what’s waiting on the other side of fall.

Hallmark Christmas.

I’m not even going to pretend I’m not already thinking about it. Fall Into Love is basically the appetizer before the main course, and Hallmark knows exactly what it’s doing. We get our fall movies, we settle into the cozy atmosphere, and then suddenly we’re surrounded by Christmas trees, lights, snow and people who somehow own businesses that only make money during the holidays.

And yes, I will watch those too.

But I’m trying to appreciate each season as it comes. I don’t want to rush through fall just because I know Christmas is waiting around the corner. There is too much I love about this time of year to skip over it.

I want the pumpkins and the fall candles. I want Halloween decorations. I want spooky movies and autumn recipes. I want those first evenings when the temperature finally drops enough that sitting outside is enjoyable. I want the colors, the smells and all those little signs that tell us the year is starting to wind down.

Fall is its own thing, and I love it.

I’m Ready for Fall, Y’all

So yes, I’m excited that Fall Into Love is getting ready to start. I’m excited about the new movies, but I’m even more excited about what they represent. We’re getting closer to the season I’ve been waiting for all year, and Hallmark is giving me one more excuse to embrace it.

The official Fall Into Love lineup starts August 22, and I have a feeling Saturday nights are going to be looking pretty good around here.

I may still be sweating when I walk outside. The leaves may still be stubbornly green. Texas may refuse to acknowledge that it’s supposed to be fall.

I don’t care.

In my house, fall has already been invited in.

And if Hallmark wants to bring a little romance along with it, well, y’all know I’m not turning that down. 🍂❤️

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and sixteen grandchildren.

The Best Homemade Jam Flavors

Posted on by gigis ramblings
beautiful, photorealistic food-blog hero image for an article titled “The Best Homemade Jam Flavors.”

There is something special about homemade jam. Maybe it is the bright color tucked inside a little glass jar. Maybe it is the way fresh fruit fills the kitchen with a sweet, fruity smell while it cooks. Or maybe it is simply the satisfaction of spreading something homemade across a warm biscuit and knowing exactly what went into it.

Homemade jam is also much more versatile than many people realize. Strawberry and blackberry may be the classics, but there are so many delicious combinations worth trying. Some are perfect for summer, while others practically beg to be made when the weather turns cool.

Whether you are an experienced canner or just want to try making a small batch for the refrigerator, there is a homemade jam flavor for just about everybody.

Strawberry Jam

Strawberry jam is a classic for a reason. Sweet, bright and wonderfully fruity, it is one of the easiest flavors to love.

Fresh strawberries make a beautiful jam, especially when they are ripe and naturally sweet. A little lemon juice can help brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness.

Strawberry jam is wonderful on toast, biscuits and English muffins. It also makes a fantastic filling for thumbprint cookies, cakes and homemade pastries.

For an extra special version, try adding a little vanilla or combining strawberries with another fruit.

Blackberry Jam

Blackberry jam has a deeper, richer flavor than strawberry jam. The berries bring plenty of sweetness, but they also have a lovely tartness that keeps the finished jam from becoming overly sweet.

If you have ever picked wild blackberries, you already know how good they can be when they are perfectly ripe. Homemade blackberry jam is a wonderful way to preserve that summer flavor.

For a smoother jam, you can strain out some or all of the seeds. If you enjoy a more rustic texture, leave them right where they are.

Blackberry jam is especially good on warm biscuits with a little butter.

Peach Jam

If there is one fruit that screams summer in the South, it has to be the peach.

Peach jam is sweet, fragrant and incredibly versatile. Fresh peaches make an especially wonderful jam when they are at their peak, but frozen peaches can also work when fresh fruit is unavailable.

A little cinnamon can turn peach jam into something reminiscent of peach pie. You can also add vanilla for a softer, richer flavor.

Spread peach jam over biscuits, toast or pancakes, or spoon it over vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.

Blueberry Lemon Jam

Blueberries and lemon are a match made in heaven.

The blueberries provide plenty of sweetness, while lemon adds just enough brightness to keep the flavor lively. This is one of those jams that tastes familiar while still feeling a little more special than plain blueberry jam.

Blueberry lemon jam is delicious on breakfast breads, pancakes and waffles. It can also be swirled into yogurt or used between layers of a simple vanilla cake.

If you are making homemade jam for gifts, this is one I would definitely put on the list.

Raspberry Jam

Raspberry jam has that wonderful combination of sweet and tart that makes it difficult to stop at one spoonful.

The berries cook down beautifully, creating a rich ruby-colored jam with plenty of natural flavor. Raspberry jam is especially delicious with buttery baked goods because the tart fruit cuts through the richness.

Try it on toast, biscuits, scones or croissants. It also makes a beautiful filling for sandwich cookies and layer cakes.

Strawberry Peach Jam

Why choose between two summer favorites when you can put them together?

Strawberry peach jam combines the bright sweetness of strawberries with the mellow flavor of ripe peaches. The result is a beautiful, fruity jam that tastes like summer in a jar.

This is also a great flavor for using up a little of this and a little of that when you have fruit that needs to be used.

Serve it with biscuits, toast or pancakes. You can even warm a spoonful and drizzle it over cheesecake or ice cream.

Blackberry Peach Jam

Blackberries and peaches make another fantastic combination.

The peaches bring sweetness and softness, while blackberries add a deeper berry flavor and just enough tartness. The contrast makes this jam especially interesting.

A pinch of cinnamon can give it a warmer flavor, or you can keep it simple and let the fruit shine.

This would be an excellent jam to tuck into a basket with homemade biscuits for a thoughtful food gift.

Apple Pie Jam

Now we are getting into the cozy stuff.

Apple pie jam combines the familiar flavors of apples, cinnamon and warm spices in a spreadable form. It is especially wonderful in the fall when apples are plentiful and everyone starts craving those classic autumn flavors.

Depending on the recipe, apple jam can include cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar or even a little vanilla.

It is delicious on toast, biscuits and pancakes, but don’t stop there. Try spooning it over warm oatmeal or vanilla ice cream.

Spiced Pear Jam

Pears do not always get the attention they deserve when it comes to homemade preserves.

Their naturally delicate sweetness works beautifully with warm spices. Cinnamon, ginger, cloves and vanilla can all complement pears without overpowering their flavor.

Spiced pear jam feels especially appropriate during the cooler months. It would be lovely served alongside a holiday breakfast or included in a homemade Christmas gift basket.

Fig Jam

Fig jam has a rich, almost honey-like flavor that makes it feel a little fancy without being difficult to enjoy.

It is particularly good with cheese, which makes it an excellent addition to a charcuterie board. Try it with goat cheese, brie or a sharp cheddar.

Fig jam is also delicious spread on crusty bread with butter or served alongside roasted meats.

If you have never tried homemade fig jam, this is one flavor worth putting on your list.

Muscadine Jam

If you are talking about Southern homemade jam, you cannot leave muscadines out of the conversation.

Muscadines have a distinctive flavor that is difficult to compare with ordinary grapes. They are sweet, slightly tart and wonderfully fragrant.

Muscadine jam is particularly special because it captures a flavor that feels tied to late summer in the South. If you have access to fresh muscadines, making jam is a delicious way to preserve them for later.

Spread it on hot biscuits and you will understand exactly why this old-fashioned favorite has stuck around.

Strawberry Jalapeño Jam

Sweet and spicy is a combination that works surprisingly well in homemade jam.

Strawberry jalapeño jam starts with the familiar sweetness of strawberries before bringing in a gentle kick from jalapeños. You can control the heat depending on how much pepper you use and whether you include the seeds.

This jam is fantastic with cream cheese and crackers, making it a great appetizer for parties. It can also be served alongside grilled meats or spread onto a sandwich for something a little different.

Peach Jalapeño Jam

Peaches and jalapeños are another excellent pairing.

The sweetness of ripe peaches balances the heat of the peppers, creating a jam that can go in several different directions. Keep it mild for a family-friendly spread or add more peppers for a serious kick.

Peach jalapeño jam is especially good with cream cheese and crackers. It can also be used as a glaze for grilled or roasted meats.

Pineapple Jam

Pineapple jam brings a tropical twist to the homemade jam collection.

It is bright, sweet and naturally tangy. Pineapple also pairs beautifully with other fruits, spices and peppers.

Try pineapple jam on toast or biscuits, or use it as a filling for homemade pastries. A pineapple jalapeño version is especially delicious if you enjoy sweet and spicy flavors.

Blueberry Peach Jam

Blueberries and peaches create a beautiful balance of flavors.

The blueberries provide their familiar rich berry taste, while peaches add a softer sweetness. Together, they create a jam that is perfect for breakfast without being boring.

This would be delicious spread over a stack of pancakes or waffles, especially with a little butter melting underneath it.

Strawberry Balsamic Jam

This one sounds fancy, but the flavor combination makes perfect sense.

A small amount of balsamic vinegar enhances the natural sweetness of strawberries while adding a subtle depth. You do not need enough vinegar to make the jam taste strongly of balsamic. The goal is simply to make the strawberries taste even more interesting.

Strawberry balsamic jam is wonderful with cheese and crackers, especially creamy cheeses. It can also be used as a filling for pastries or spread over toasted bread.

Peach Habanero Jam

For those who like their sweet treats with some serious heat, peach habanero jam is worth trying.

Peaches provide the sweetness while habaneros bring a much stronger pepper flavor than jalapeños. Because habaneros are hot, start conservatively and adjust according to your preference.

This jam works particularly well as an appetizer served with cream cheese and crackers. It can also make a delicious glaze for grilled foods.

Cranberry Apple Jam

Cranberries and apples are a wonderful combination when the holidays roll around.

The apples soften the tartness of the cranberries, while warm spices can make the whole kitchen smell like Christmas.

Cranberry apple jam would be beautiful served with breakfast breads, biscuits or toast during the holiday season. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when tucked into a pretty jar with a simple label.

Related: Planning a More Self-Sufficient Life Through Gardening and Canning

Orange Marmalade

Technically, marmalade is its own category, but it absolutely deserves a place on the homemade preserve table.

Orange marmalade has a wonderful balance of sweetness and bitterness. The citrus flavor makes it especially refreshing compared with heavier fruit jams.

Spread it over toast, biscuits or a warm croissant. It is also delicious in cakes and pastries.

If you enjoy citrus, you can experiment with lemon, grapefruit or combinations of different citrus fruits.

Homemade Jam Makes Wonderful Gifts

One of the best things about making jam is that you do not have to keep it all for yourself.

A few little jars of homemade jam can become beautiful gifts for birthdays, holidays, teachers, neighbors or friends. Add a handwritten label and pair the jam with homemade biscuits, scones or a loaf of bread.

For Christmas, several different flavors in a small basket would make a particularly charming gift. You could include a classic strawberry, a seasonal apple pie jam and something spicy such as peach jalapeño.

Just be sure to follow a tested recipe and proper canning procedures when you plan to store homemade jam at room temperature. Not every recipe is suitable for shelf-stable canning, so food safety matters just as much as flavor.

How to Choose Your Next Jam Flavor

If you are staring at a basket of fruit and wondering what to make, start with what you already enjoy.

For something classic, strawberry, blackberry, blueberry and peach are hard to beat. If you want something seasonal, apple pie, spiced pear and cranberry apple are perfect for cooler weather.

For something a little different, try blueberry lemon, strawberry balsamic or fig. And if you enjoy a little heat, peach jalapeño, strawberry jalapeño or peach habanero will give your breakfast table some personality.

The best part about homemade jam is that there is always another flavor to try. Once you start combining fruits, spices and peppers, the possibilities get pretty darn fun.

And honestly, there are few things better than opening a jar of homemade jam in the middle of winter and getting a little taste of summer back on your plate. A warm biscuit, a pat of butter and a spoonful of homemade jam can make an ordinary morning feel downright special.

More Homemade Jam Ideas to Try

  • Blackberry and raspberry
  • Peach and raspberry
  • Blueberry and lavender
  • Apple cinnamon
  • Plum and vanilla
  • Cherry vanilla
  • Apricot ginger
  • Pear vanilla
  • Pineapple mango
  • Mango jalapeño
  • Fig and apple
  • Cranberry orange
  • Lemon ginger
  • Plum cinnamon
  • Strawberry rhubarb

There is no shortage of possibilities, so grab some fruit, find a well-tested recipe, and start experimenting. Your next favorite jam might be a combination you have never even thought about yet.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and sixteen grandchildren.