Barbecue is its own special language in the South, with multiple sauces and bases. How many can you name? In honor of National Barbecue Month, blogger Kara Gause breaks them down.

The South is synonymous with slow-cooked, soulful food. As a Yankee transplanted to Tennessee by marriage, I was excited to learn more about all the dishes that constitute “home cooking” for my husband. And to him, nothing says “home” quite like barbecue.

The first time I went to meet his family in South Carolina, my future father-in-law was slaving away at slow-cooked, Low-Country barbecue–or an old-fashioned pig pickin,’ as they say. Being from Pennsylvania, I expected a tomato-based sauce to accompany my meal. Oh, how wrong I was!

It seems there are no fewer than five methods of saucing the smoky meat in the South–six, if you count the devotees of dry rubs and non-saucing. Those five are: Memphis-style heavy tomato (what I had imagined for the pig pickin’); a white, mayonnaise-based sauce from northern Alabama (the hubs is not a fan); light tomato (think ketchup) in North Carolina and Georgia; mustard-based in South Carolina (tangy and sweet); and the vinegar-based staple for eastern South Carolina and Kentucky.

My husband has implored me to note (out of respect–seriously) that both Texas and Kansas City have variations of the heavy tomato sauce. It should also be said that my father-in-law has developed a well-guarded vinegar-based sauce over several decades. Only my brother-in-law Tim has inherited the recipe. Yes, really.

Had I been introduced to the nuances of barbecue often covered in magazines, such as Garden & Gun, 10 years ago, I could have saved myself from some serious teasing at the hands of my in-laws. Besides breaking down “the sauce question,” there’s also a guide to the best barbecue sandwiches in the South. While tradition is soundly respected here, there are also breakout stars. Take the spicy Korean pork sandwich from the Heirloom Market in Atlanta, described as a “gutsy alliance of Southern pit-smoking techniques and Korean flavors.” Yum.

Even I have begun to develop my own version of barbecue; using pulled chicken makes me feel infinitely less guilty about serving it up more regularly. I’d spill all my recipe secrets, but I’ll probably will them to my daughters. After all, here in the South, barbecue is like currency.

Want to take it easier this summer? If so, we recommend curling up with these seven magazines. Right now, save up to 90% on these and other popular titles in our red tag sale!

OK, so unless you’re a teacher, independently wealthy or somehow living the dream, you probably don’t get summers off.

And, be honest, you’re probably feeling a twinge of jealousy at your (or other) children now that their carefree days will soon be upon them.

While we haven’t quite figured out a way your days can be as carefree as theirs, we can at least offer a means of relaxation and entertainment. (But it will be up to those kids how many uninterrupted hours of that you get.)

Maybe it seems ironic that we’re suggesting the best magazines to curl up with this summer—titles that boast impressive long-form journalism—when probably once upon a time you were pretty adamant about celebrating a break from books. (Except for those of us who never took a break from them.)

Basically, if you appreciate good reading and good writing, these seven magazines are just what you’re looking for—and for a limited time, they’re on sale at up to 90 percent off during our Red Tag Sale.

1. Time: How do the latest headlines affect you? Find out in this newsweekly featuring in-depth reads on multiple subjects, like politics, business, foreign affairs, technology, social issues and more.

2. Popular Science: Feed your curiosity about how the world around you works by reading the mix of short and long pieces covering the latest trends in this science and technology magazine.

3. Sports Illustrated: More than just stats and scores, SI features a thought-provoking examination of the hottest developments in the world of sports, ranging from rumors, scandal, tragedy and triumph.

4. Rolling Stone: Sure, this iconic magazine is a must for music lovers, but fans of great writing will be just as interested in the political, social and cultural coverage that’s a hallmark of every issue.

5. Esquire: Billed as a magazine for men, the content covers style advice, workplace tips, political commentary, relationship pointers and other smart editorial.

6. New York Magazine: The American Society of Magazine Editor’s pick for Magazine of the Year, this one examines a range of sophisticated topics of interest inside—and outside—the Big Apple.

7. Smithsonian: Published by the namesake museum, this magazine illuminates subjects of historical significance and modern innovation in well-written features and eye-catching photography.

What other “mother” figure will you be celebrating or remembering this Mother’s Day? Blogger Dana McCranie shares some of the wisdom her grandmother passed along to her.

Oh the joy that fills my heart every time I make a new crafty friend. It is like opening up a present on Christmas day as we share our different interests and what we can teach each other.

Just today I made a wonderful new friend and we delighted in our shared love for all things creative.

What is striking to me is what a journey creativity is and the common connections of creativity to family and heritage.

She mentioned her lifetime of crafting was a direct result of her mother living through The Great Depression and I instantly and longingly thought of my Grandmother. I related to my friend because my Grandmother was a woman that made the most out of everything.

My Grandmother and my Mother are the seeds of my ever-growing love for crafting. I have often thought every time I see the term “up-cycled” that it really just describes what my Grandmother did all along.

On my way home, I thought more and more about my Grandmother and all the things she made throughout my life and how much I treasure them. There was never anything incredibly fancy and she often made them from remnants, as was her way, but I absolutely cherish anything she touched. The quilt is probably my favorite of these creations. Each one has such a beautiful story.

My favorite one is comprised of what I believe to be a potpourri of remnants and the base of it is a pink I’ve never really cared for, but it is the warmest and softest blanket I’ve ever owned. It is tattered and the filling is starting to spill out here and there, but it is a work of art in my eyes. She never needed all the supplies I convince myself I have to have to be creative. She took what was available because she had to, and she made it into something useful and magical.

Need fueled her creativity and her craft and the result has been these heirlooms I can’t imagine ever parting with. It is more than a quilt, but it is actually a warm and constant reminder of her love. It is hand-sewn and I can’t tell you how often I’ve stared at the stitches, some uneven, and pictured her soft and sweet hands gliding through the fabric.

In her thrifty nature, my Grandmother also considered an alternate use for everything before disposing of it. I will never forget the amusing search for the real butter container in her refrigerator because there were always at least four impostors on the scene. As much as I used to sigh as I opened lid upon lid seeking the real butter, yesterday I found myself cleaning out a butter container and storing it with a smile in our cabinet.

Her lessons live on in me and I’m always so full of gratitude when I recognize a piece of her wisdom setting up shop in my life. She was a woman who was so worthy of imitation and I hope my life can resemble hers in even a small way. I am looking forward to making my first quilt one day and I hope my new friend can teach me how. I think I’ll start saving scraps for it now and I’ll think of Louise as I make it.

Wondering what to get for Mom this Mother’s Day? Here’s 10 great deals on some of our top magazines that Mom can look forward to all year—and that will fit any budget!

Why give Mom a magazine for Mother’s Day this year? Two great reasons come to mind—its price and its thoughtfulness.

Typically, you can save up to 90 percent at Magazines.com every day, but with our special Mother’s Day deals, you can find top magazines at even better prices.

These are some of our favorite picks for Mom—and each is just $1 or less per issue.

Food & Wine: Give Mom a year of the finer things in life—gourmet food, wine pairings and culinary travel tips at a special price. Just $12 for 12 issues.

Good Housekeeping: Help Mom stay organized and healthy—plus feed the family for less—with time-saving, practical advice. Just $5 for 12 issues.

Marie Claire: Stylish moms will find everything they need to look their best from head to toe with the latest trends in beauty and fashion. Just $5 for 12 issues.

Prevention: Encourage Mom to take good care of herself with these healthy tips on losing weight and disease prevention. Just $10 for 12 issues.

Southern Living: Whether Mom’s a Southerner or just loves the South, she’ll love the traditional recipes, entertaining advice and regional travel suggestions. Just $10 for 13 issues.

Redbook: Moms who love a bargain will love this revamped magazine focusing on all things affordable—and you’ll love the price. Just $5 for 12 issues.

Cosmopolitan: Known for its upbeat style and contemporary relationship advice, this magazine is perfect for modern moms. Just $10 for 12 issues.

Woman’s Day: Most moms juggle it all—family, career, home, finances—but tips from this magazine can help make it seem a little less overwhelming. Just $5 for 9 issues or $10 for 12 issues.

Parenting (Early Years or School Years): Moms looking for expert guidance on raising their little ones or resources for healthy snacks and fun crafts will find it all here. Just $4.97 for 22 issues. (Early Years edition covers ages 0-5; School Years edition covers ages 6-11.)

Crochet Today: Crafty moms of all skill levels will find inspiration in this how-to magazine for creating fashionable clothes, baby items and home décor. Just $6 for 6 issues.

James Beard Foundation Awards aren’t just bestowed upon restaurants and chefs. Annually, top food journalists and publications are also so honored. Here’s a peek at the 2013 winners.

Widely known for celebrating culinary excellence in some of the nation’s finest restaurants, the James Beard Foundation also recognizes outstanding food-related journalism across book, broadcast, print and digital categories.

Considered “The Oscars of Food,” the James Beard Foundation has annually, since 1990, bestowed its bronze medallion honors to chefs, restaurants, cookbook authors, journalists, restaurant designers and other food professionals.

The award is named after James Beard, an American chef and writer, and honors both of his pursuits. Not only is he credited with helping establish the country’s gourmet food identity, but also was a prolific writer with more than 20 books to his name.

This year, several of our favorite publications made the cut to receive this prestigious honor.

Focus on Health

“Cooking Light The New Way to Cook Light—Fresh Food & Bold Flavors for Today’s Home Cook” by Scott Mowbray and Ann Taylor Pittman

Cooking, Recipes or Instruction

Men’s Health: Matt Goulding, Matthew Kadey with Tamar Adler and Paul Kita for “The Butcher Is Back!,” ”The Six-Pack Foods of Summer,” ”Southern Food Rises Again”

Food and Culture

Cooking Light: Ann Taylor Pittman for “Mississippi Chinese Lady Goes Home to Korea”

Food and Travel

Travel + Leisure: Adam Sachs for “The Best Little Eating Town in Europe”

Food Coverage in a General-Interest Publication

Men’s Health: Adina Steiman

Food Politics, Policy and the Environment

The American Prospect with the Food & Environment Reporting Network: Tracie McMillan for “As Common As Dirt”

Personal Essay

Lucky Peach: Fuchsia Dunlop for “London Town”

For a complete list of James Beard Foundation winners, click here.

Choosing the best magazine covers—even among those published in one year—can be daunting. But the American Society of Magazine Editors has done it. Do you agree with its picks?

Magazine covers can live on well past their traditional shelf life, either cherished for posterity or etched into memory for their infamy. In the American Society of Magazine Editors latest batch of cover of the year winners, there’s a little of both.

The magazine industry’s principal organization for journalists whittled down a host of covers published in 2012 to the following winners across several categories.

Cover of the Year

New York Magazine, November 12, 2013: “The City and the Storm”: The post-Sandy cover image that captured the city in half-darkness and half-light took top honors.

In FishBowlNY’s first Magazine Cover of the Year contest, this haunting image finished as a runner-up to The Atlantic magazine cover featuring New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. In the ASME competition, it edged out Time’s controversial “Are You Mom Enough?” cover.

So popular has this image become, it’s available as a poster from New York Magazine and the Museum of Modern Art with the proceeds being donated to ongoing local hurricane relief efforts.

In addition, ASME recognized these covers as the best of the year in their respective categories:

Business and Technology

Bloomberg Businessweek, February 6-12, 2012 “Let’s Get It On”: The business weekly went with this suggestive title—and image—to portray the merger of United and Continental airlines.

News and Politics

New York, November 12, 2012 “The City and the Storm”: The Big Apple’s magazine bested another category to take more top honors for its post-Sandy cover.

Entertainment and Celebrity

The New York Times Magazine, December 23, 2012 “Jerry Seinfeld Is 58, Rich Beyond Imagination and Still Working”: Apparently the title character of the popular TV comedy of the same name has still got it. He beat out a cover of Lady Gaga.

Service

The Rotarian, March 2012 “The Future of Water”: The official magazine of the civic club sheds some light on sustainability issues as they relate to water.

Fashion and Beauty

Harper’s Bazaar, March 2012 “Gwyneth Revealed”:  The Most Beautiful Woman (according to People magazine) can add another accolade to her list. Her cover in a daring black dress not only won in this category, but it was also in the running for Cover of the Year.

Sports and Adventure

The New York Times Magazine, August 26, 2012 “Deuce”: Another win for the Big Apple newspaper’s magazine, this time featuring tennis stars—and sisters—Venus and Serena Williams. The controversial Sports Illustrated “We Were Penn State” cover was a finalist in this category.

Lifestyle

New York, August 6-13, 2012 “Sex”: Make it three ASME cover awards for this title, including a second over Time’s probably more talked about “Are You Mom Enough?”, which was a finalist in the category.

Brainiest

Bloomberg Businessweek, May 28-June 3, 2012 “Bang Head Here”: The second of the business weekly’s award-winning covers succinctly sums up the Euro crisis. (It even comes with directions.)

Most Delicious

Garden & Gun, October/November 2012 “Perfect Southern Food”: The South is synonymous with good food, so it’s no surprise this cover is being lauded for celebrating one of the region’s signature delicacies.

Best Obama Cover

Bloomberg Businessweek, November 12-18, 2012 “The Next Four Years”: The third of the business weekly’s ASME award winners depicts its projection of how the President will age over his next four years in office.

Which Sports Illustrated Kentucky Derby cover story edges out the rest? Here, we take a look at the best of the best of the field ahead of Saturday’s “run for the roses.”

So many things about the Kentucky Derby can draw in even the most casual horse racing fan: the iconic twin spires of Churchill Downs, the signature mint juleps, the elaborate hats, the garland of roses.

And somewhere beneath the pomp and pageantry, there’s actually a race known as “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.”

But just as majestic as the spectacle are the stories that emerge, about the horses, the trainers, the owners, the jockeys, the insurmountable odds and the long-shot luck needed to overcome them.

Once the finery for winning is presented, the debate will begin. Will this horse be the first in now 35 years to earn the Triple Crown?

In preparation for the race and all its possibilities, here are the seven best Kentucky Derby cover stories from Sports Illustrated magazine.

1. May 11, 2009, “Miracle in the Mud”: Jockey Calvin Borel and Mine That Bird raced into Derby history with their come-from-behind win. With a three-length lead over the rest of the field, Mine That Bird notched the largest margin of victory in 60 years, beating the longest odds in 85 years to earn a place in the record books.

2. May 10, 2004, “Why Everybody Loves Smarty Jones”: The stars seemed to have aligned when Smarty Jones kept his unbeaten streak alive in the Derby during the 100th anniversary of the Triple Crown races. When he later won the Preakness Stakes, excitement built for the potential trifecta at the Belmont Stakes, but there he finished second to a long-shot contender.

3. May 12, 1980, “The Lady Is a Champ”: A number of covers acknowledged the Derby’s great moments throughout the ’70s, but Genuine Risk’s was another worthy performance near the end of that golden age of horse racing. She became only the second filly to win at Churchill Downs–the first was 65 years earlier–and the first ever to cash in during all three Triple Crown races.

4. May 14, 1979, “Simply Spectacular”: Spectacular Bid nearly lived up to his name, with record-setting performances and wins at both the Derby (over the son of the legendary Secretariat, General Assembly, no less) and the Preakness. But the 2-year-old champ’s Triple Crown bid fell short because of a freak accident at the Belmont Stakes.

5. May 15, 1978, “Rousing Run For the Roses”: With so many Triple Crown winners in his pedigree, including his great-great-grandfather War Admiral, perhaps it’s no surprise that Affirmed was destined to be a champion. Only 11 horses have accomplished his feat of winning the Triple Crown, and he is the last to have done so.

6. May 16, 1977, “The Derby”: Seattle Slew was an unlikely champion. Even at birth, he wasn’t expected to make history, and he was sold from his Kentucky home to a couple in Washington. But he proved his detractors wrong, becoming the 10th horse to win the Triple Crown and the only horse to have done so while undefeated.

7. May 10, 1976, “Cordero’s Bold Triumph”: Three-year-old superstar Bold Forbes had won multiple races before arriving in Louisville, where he wasn’t even put through trial runs on the day of the race or leading up to it–a break from the norm. He won the Derby, came oh so close at the Preakness and won the Belmont Stakes, ridden in each by accomplished Puerto Rican jockey Angel Cordero Jr.

Italian Dressing-Olive Dip

Have you been searching for an easy, no-bake appetizer to pull together at the last minute? This Italian Dressing-Olive Dip may just be what you’ve been searching for!

Need a last-minute appetizer or a go-to dish to take to a party? You better have one, according to Southern Living magazine’s “Southern Charm” tips feature in a recent issue, as you should never show up to a gathering empty-handed.

If you’ve already got a signature party recipe, maybe you’re looking to add to your entertaining repertoire—at home and away. If so, this Italian Dressing-Olive Dip is easy, quick and delicious—so much so that if you make it, you’ll probably get several requests for the recipe!

On every occasion I’ve made it—including wedding shower and outdoor summer party—I’ve always been asked how to prepare it. And the guests have always been surprised at how simple it is.

For full disclosure, this recipe was passed along to me by a friend who I asked to share it after tasting the dip at a party. If I recall correctly, she got it from the Food Network. I searched, but couldn’t find the origin of this tasty dip online.

Even if you’re not a fan of black olives (like me), trust me, you’ll still love this dip. It only requires four ingredients, and it takes more time walking through the grocery store to pick them up than it does to make it—honestly!

A few more notes about the ingredients: Lately, the Ken’s Italian Dressing with Aged Romano I’ve seen is a “light” version that also includes basil. If that’s all you can find, I taste-tested the dip with it, and it’s still good.

If you want to experiment with the other versions of Rotel, feel free. My latest version incorporated the Rotel with the green chilies. It gave it a little extra kick, but nothing too spicy.

I’ve always used the cheese blends for more depth of flavor. Since it’s a very forgiving recipe, go ahead and experiment!

With apologies to the original source, wherever or whomever it is, here’s the recipe:

Italian Dressing-Olive Dip

8 oz Ken’s Italian Dressing with Aged Romano
1 can Rotel Original Tomatoes
1 4 oz can Sliced or Chopped Black Olives
2 cups Fine Shredded Cheese

Mix all four ingredients in a bowl and serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!

An (eventual) love of sewing brought this mother-daughter pair closer, but they get more than quality time together out of the craft. It’s good for the closet—and the mind.

When I was a kid and would go back-to-school shopping with my mother and grandmother, I would always find something I just had to have—a new skirt, a great shirt, maybe a dress. My “please, please!” often received a “we can make that at home for much less” reply.

So Mom and Gran started teaching me to sew when I was in junior high. Skirts, Christmas stockings and ornaments, stuffed animals—I was good at it, but didn’t love it back then.

But what I did appreciate about it was the Sunday afternoons, when after a full home-cooked lunch, Mom, Gran and I would spend time together in the craft room—no TVs, no computers, no distractions.

We’d pick out fabric, sift through a huge bucket of buttons trying to find just the right one and always end up laughing about something.

About a year ago, I took up sewing again after a multi-year hiatus. And now I love it! Mom and I enjoy shopping for beautiful fabric together and taking classes at a cute little local shop here in Austin, Texas. I jump at any chance to sew with her. Why?

1. It’s quality time together. Just like those Sunday afternoons back in junior high, spending time with Mom and a sewing machine is excellent time together. We laugh and learn and encourage each other along the way.
2. It’s a stress reliever. Studies show that participating in a hobby can be a good stress reliever. It can take your mind off of the day’s worries and challenges, and the end product can feel like a victory.
3. It’s good for the mind. We all keep hearing about the importance of keeping our minds active and healthy, which in turn keeps them young. Engaging in a hobby such as sewing keeps our minds and hands active.

Whether you’re planning an exotic getaway or staying close to home, you can find deals on top travel magazines that can help you plan the perfect trip down to the last detail.

Planning a vacation this summer? Whether your dream destination is a little closer to home or around the world, we’ve got travel magazine deals that can help you with every detail.

For a limited time, you can get top travel and regional magazines for less! That means you can put more toward your vacation or splurge a little and subscribe to more than one title.

With so many great destinations and trip ideas in one magazine alone, that also means you can do a little pre-planning for future getaways—or at least daydream about exotic locales and nearby hideaways.

So where can our travel deals take you? Here’s a preview.

Travel + Leisure: Do you dream of visiting international cities or tropical destinations? This travel magazine provides off-the-beaten-path itineraries and the best in dining and lodging options. Get 12 issues for just $10.

National Geographic Traveler: Whether you’re planning a summer getaway—or just daydreaming of one—this magazine’s exquisite photography previews beautiful cities, sights and more, as well as provides practical travel advice. All for just $10 for 8 issues.

Texas Monthly: You’ve heard everything is bigger in Texas, so why not see for yourself? With this magazine, you’ll get event, dining and leisure recommendations from those who know the Lone Star State best—all for just $7 for 12 issues.

Los Angeles: Explore the City of Angels and all the glitz, culture, fashion, sports and more that it has to offer with this monthly magazine from those who know California’s largest city best—all for just $7 for 12 issues.

Arizona Highways: Experience the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon state with this magazine devoted to Arizona. Ideal for the explorer at heart with recommendations on scenic towns, and urban and wilderness hiking trails. Just $12 for 12 issues.

Yankee: Escape to the charm of New England—literally or figuratively with this bi-monthly magazine. Each issue features insider travel tips, seasonal recipes, regional events and more. Get 6 issues for just $10 for a limited time.

Seattle Metropolitan: What’s not to love about the Emerald City? It consistently receives accolades as a top travel and dining destination, and this magazine tells why you should at least visit. Get 10 issues for just $12.

Louisiana Cookin’: Celebrate the unique flavors of the bayou with more than 200 recipes every year and hot local travel destinations. That means this bi-monthly magazine is just right for planning a getaway—or just getting a taste of one! Just $15 for 6 issues.

Portland Monthly: This Oregon city has earned high marks from other magazines as a top spring break family destination, best eating town and best city for single women. Why all the fuss? Portland Monthly uncovers the best about its culture and lifestyle—all for just $12 for 12 issues.

Atlanta Magazine: What’s hot in Hotlanta? This monthly magazine breaks down the must-see sights and events, along with the best in dining options in this bustling city. For a limited time, get 12 issues for just $7.

Houstonia: Go in-depth in the Space City with this monthly magazine that reveals all the best the Lone Star State’s fourth-largest city has to offer. It’s just $12 for 12 issues.

And if you’d prefer striking out on the open road—or seas—we’ve also got specially-priced subscriptions on Trailer Life, MotorHome, RoadRUNNER and Yachting.