In the Garden ~ How Much Should you Plant

   

 

    It might seem early to start thinking about what and how much you want to grow in your garden this year but you might want to think about first how much you will need.  Right now is the perfect time to plant your onions, that will be ready for early spring.  But how many onions do you need to plant?  Of course if you do not like onions, then we can’t really be friends.  Just kidding! They do lend great flavor to dishes as a base so it might be time to rethink those onions.

For ease of simplicity we are going to use the base measurement of a family of four. For those who know my family, know that we are not a family of four but seven and four of those are teenage boys, which is sometimes like feeding two grown adults.  All this to say, take these numbers as a base and add in more of what you really like and maybe what you really want to eat.  Of course, how much space you have is also a contributing factor.  Are you only growing your garden in pots, then maybe you will have to ignore all these numbers.  If you have a good amount of space or friends willing to share and grow this will help guide for variety and fun.

Don’t forget that you can rotate items out as the weather changes. For example, those leafy greens and spinach will do very well during the cooler months, while tomatoes will not.  Rotate your choices to also add variety and diversification to your garden.  If you plan to preserve your items for use all year long, even better, that will stretch your garden into the winter months when you won’t be able to grow as much food.

I found a beneficial chart here: https://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/vegetables/getting-started/calculate-how-many-vegetables-to-plant/ They give a great breakdown of plants per person from one to four.  If this seems overwhelming, partner with neighbors or friends.  Do you grow tomatoes really well, volunteer to grow them all for everyone and see if they can handle all the zucchini and squash.  There are so many ways to grow your own food and be able to feed your family healthy, sustainable produce that won’t break the bank.  Of course each year you garden it gets easier.  As you learn more and figure out what works best for you and your garden, it becomes a source of pride and enjoyment.   

If you plan to preserve food you might need more space and more plants.  For example, you might need 5 tomato plants per person for a year's worth of tomato products, such as salsa, stewed tomatoes, and tomato sauce.  Whereas, you will only need one squash plant per person, to provide an adequate amount of squash for a year.  Those cucumbers are a higher number as well, such as 6 to 9 plants total for fresh and pickled cucumbers to last a year.  Create variety in having multiple winter squash plants that will yield enough for a year.  Five different options are, acorn, butternut, spaghetti, and the like.  These all have a stronger outer layer that will store well in dry storage along with those potatoes, onions and garlic.

Do not be afraid to try something new to see how it works out.  If your goal is not to preserve food but to share with others keep those numbers high.  If you want to only grow enough for your family, I hope this helps to get you started.  Of course, it’s never too early or late to start your garden, so give it a try.  We hope to hear from you about all your growing success this year.  We will regularly post our wins and misses from our garden so be on the look out. 

B2B Travel ~ Beyond the Buffet: Why the Modern Executive Chooses the B&B

 Beyond the Buffet: Why the Modern Executive Chooses the B&B

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to trade in the sterile corridors of a chain hotel for the warmth of a bed and breakfast? For the modern corporate client, a B&B isn't just a quaint getaway—it's a high-performance tool designed for efficiency and wellness. Here is how a smaller, personalized stay can transform your next business trip. 

Morning sets the tone for your entire day.  The local Bed and Breakfast provides corporate clients with high performance fuel and strategy to start the day strong.  A custom made breakfast, not a generic buffet will start the morning off strong.  Bed and Breakfast innkeepers take into account all dietary needs when serving their guests.  This fresh, home cooked meal provides sustainable focus for guests throughout the day, which in turn will help increase productivity.  Beyond the food, the innkeeper will be your personalized concierge, where their local expertise will help navigate to and from meetings, or share the local gem for any off site meetings.  

By mid-day, the Bed and Breakfast becomes your private office.  Many offer dedicated work stations in the rooms or in another area of the building for overnight guests to use.  They will provide a strong Wi-Fi connection with ample power outlets.   A 200 room hotel will have many distractions, which will decrease productivity.  With a smaller guest capacity, the chance of disruptions greatly diminishes deep concentration and efficient task completion.  This efficiency will allow you to take part in “bleisure” activities, such as a stroll through the gardens or enjoying a good book.   

Evening hours, bring on the time for relaxation and resetting.  Retreat to a room that has all the comforts of a home away from home.  Many bed and breakfasts offer rooms that have specialty tubs or showers for deeper relaxing moments after a stressful day.  With the addition of inclusive extras, such as free parking and Wi-Fi and the possibility of streaming services, guests can relax with what they are comfortable with to really be able to reset for the day ahead.  The innkeeper can direct you to the best spots for dinner or they might even offer a happy hour or wine tasting for all guests in residence.  This organic networking is a chance to relax in an atmosphere with other professionals in a low-no pressure environment.  

Businesses are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and value. Many inns offer competitive corporate rates and separate invoicing, providing better value than "cookie-cutter" chains.  Corporate rates help to draw in week day travelers when the season might be slow, and allow business travelers a better way to travel.  Sustainability is growing in the industry and many bed and breakfasts are on the forefront of creating an environment that is overall healthier for guests.  From the detergent and cleaning products used to the ones offered for guests to utilize while in house.  Not to mention the ease and flexibility of accommodating check in and check out that might make changes at a moment's notice.  

Bed and Breakfast travel is no longer just for vacations.  The convenience of gourmet breakfast and a personal concierge to free amenities, many travelers are making the jump to smaller local inns.  Try out a bed and breakfast the next time you travel for work and see the difference that your stay makes. 

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Elderflower Smash

     

    Happy New Year, and welcome back to the Oaks Bed and Breakfast Herb Infused Cocktail series.  This year we hope to bring you some new and delicious cocktails that you can enjoy at home or with us, at one of our events.  With 2026, starting off strong we are hitting the ground running with a simple yet sip worthy cocktail. 

    We had a wonderful Holiday season and our cocktail was the hit of the party for several occasions and are welcoming new guests and events for this year, with another great round of seasonal cocktails to enjoy.  

First up is an Elderflower Smash.  Four simple ingredients pack a punch and this drink is definitely one you want to sip and savor throughout the evening. 

Elderflower Smash 

Single Serving

4 - 6 mint leaves

Juice of half a lemon

2 ounces Gin

1.5 Ounces St. Germain Elderflower liqueur

3 dashes of bitter

Add the mint and lemon juice to a shaker cup and muddle to meld the flavors together.  Once muddled, pour in the Gin, St. Germain, and bitters.  Fill shaker cup with ice.  Shake until the outside of the cup is very cold.  Pour into an ice filled glass.  Garnish with a slice of lemon and or fresh mint.

This drink is so very easy to make and just as easy to sip on while drinking.  Enjoy this drink with a delicious meal with friends around the fire pit.  These cooler evenings make for a wonderful atmosphere for friends to join together and make memories.

As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Cheers!

B2B Travel ~ Why a Bed and Breakfast is a Strategic Choice for your Next Business Trip

 Know Before you Go: Why a Bed and Breakfast is a Strategic Choice for your Next Business Trip

When traveling for business professionals often find themselves choosing between two extremes clinical convenience and overpriced luxury.  A third option exists that perfectly melds high end luxury and the comforts of home.  By booking your stay at the local Bed and Breakfast, your experience can be customized to your dietary preferences, be given local expertise and provide unique value that a cookie cutter hotel simply cannot replicate.  

To ensure your next trip is productive and enjoyable here are four key questions that emphasize why a Bed and Breakfast is the superior choice for a business traveler:

1. Can you accommodate my specific dietary preferences at breakfast?  

Unlike a hotel that caters to the masses with a generic continental breakfast, your innkeeper at a Bed and Breakfast will be more than happy to tailor your experience and take into consideration your allergies or preferences.  The best part will be that everything will be ready when you are,  many innkeepers will adjust serving times to allow you to make the meetings you have planned.  

2. What are  your local  “hidden gems” for client dinners or downtime?  

The concierge desk at hotel chains usually will point you to the most touristy chains, that give none of the local feel.  While the innkeeper is part of the community and will share all the local expertise of the best restaurants for business dinners and local landmarks.    Be sure to take into consideration their suggestions for the most authentic visit, and see the glass bathrooms or the larger than life sized cows in the area you will be visiting.

3. What unique history or personality does this property have? 

Many hotels are modern builds on the side of the interstate with little to no personality not to mention the sound from the road traffic.  While many Bed and Breakfasts have a rich history just waiting to be explored.  Many properties have been meticulously restored to their former beauty and provide visitors with a sense of place and calm from the otherwise high-stakes business trip. 

4. What extra are included in my stay beyond the room?  

The “nickel and dimeing” of corporate hotels is a major frustration for many business travelers.  White at many Bed and Breakfast’, they provide value-added perks such as; free high-speed Wi-Fi, free parking or complimentary refreshments.  Beyond the logistics, the cozy common area can provide space for you to catch up on emails or explore a good book.  While providing that small business vibe that feels more inviting and professional than a crowded hotel lobby.  

Regardless of the duration of your trip, your choice of accommodations dictates the productivity and well-being.   This year make the trade from a sterile hotel to a Bed and Breakfast. Discover the character and personalized service that local hospitality can make on your professional journey. 

Around Town ~ Jay Hodge Chevrolet

 

        For the past ten years Jay Hodge has been a pillar in the Sulphur Springs community.  Staff members have been active in local community organizations such as the North East Texas Symphony League, Kiwanis or as an event signature sponsor.  This winter they are celebrating their success of ten wonderful years in the industry and community with the “Deal of the Decade Event.”  Afterall, their success comes from having wonderful customers who have supported them over the years.

Jay Hodge is located at 478 Wildcat Way, right here in Sulphur Springs.  Their sales hours are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The parts and service department is open Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Over the years, Jay Hodge has been recognized locally and industry wise with awards.  The GM Mark of Excellence has been earned nine years in a row.  Which means that they have excelled in sales, satisfaction, as well as parts and service, as a dealership in the GM family.  

Locally they have been voted on the News Telegram Awards as the “Best Dealership” for the past Nine Years.  The local recognition and company recognition come from a great sales and service team and of course wonderful customers.  Without their customers none of these awards would be possible, so they give a heartfelt thank you to each one who trusts in them for all their automotive needs.

Jay Hodge is taking their customer satisfaction a step further by providing a mobile service van for anyone to utilize.  Schedule your minor service repair and the van will come to you.  If you do not have time to visit the dealership for your oil change, or other service needs, they can visit you onsite where you are located.  They offer a subscription service for anyone to purchase and receive this specialized care.  They will also service any make or model, just give them a call.  No need to have purchased a vehicle from them, their goal is to make getting your car serviced and operating at prime capacity, easy and convenient. 

    The convenience of purchasing a new car during their “Deal of a Decade Event” has just gotten easier.  Interest rates have lowered, and there are rebates offered by the manufacturer and dealer for discounts up to $10,000.  Now is a great time to stop by and see one of their sales people to test drive a new car and walk away with an amazing deal.  The holidays are a great reason to put that big red bow on a new car for someone you love. 

The Oaks Bed and Breakfast had the pleasure of serving the Jay Hodge customers and employees for their 10 year anniversary this past Thursday. We enjoyed visiting with everyone that stopped by, and enjoyed celebrating this milestone with them.  We hope that you will visit the dealership and discover your next dream vehicle.

B2B ~ Beyond the Boardroom: How Boutique stays are Transforming Client Meetings

 

        When traveling for business sales professionals aim to maximize time and engagement when meeting with

clients.  Often a change of venue when meeting can lead to stronger rapport and accelerated lead cycles. 

By leveraging your accommodations to a high value meeting venue, you can facilitate a meeting and provide a

more intimate and functional work space, than a local coffee shop or restaurant.   This dedicated space not only

ensures one-on-one client attention, but also delivers functionality far exceeding a place to rest.   

Each client is important and you want to make them feel as though they are the most important person in

the room.  A smaller, more intimate venue means a more focused, personalized and exclusive location.  Many

boutique stays have private rooms or a functional downstairs space to hold meetings while you are in town for

business travel.  Not only can you find a great place to reset and recharge before meeting clients, but they might

also provide a space for undivided client attention.

A change of venue can facilitate a stronger, more meaningful relationship in the long run, by providing a

location that focuses solely on the client.  A restaurant, coffee shop or even their office can lead to distractions. 

A busy restaurant or coffee shop has you talking over the noise, which can lead to missed details.  All of which

can derail your conversation from the start.  The distractions in their office and the interruptions from employees

entering, can be eliminated by moving facilities.  Everyone’s time is valuable. A local boutique stay can

contribute to the meeting experience, and allow you to be better focused on the goal, without the distractions

of a public or personal work space.

Many boutique stays would be more than happy to host client meetings, and they may also offer a selection

of food so that your meeting location becomes a one stop shop.  Which in turn will create a seamless environment

for networking and meeting times, with overall client growth in mind.  Not only will you have a wonderful place

to sleep but also have the opportunity to wow your clients with a thoughtful and private local for meetings.

Not only can a boutique stay provide a meeting space for a more business focused meeting, but they can

possibly also provide a location for an event for multiple clients.  A customer appreciation event, Executive

dinner or a private workshop.  Ultimately, a boutique stay is more than just an overnight stay, it is a strategic

asset for superior client relations and accelerated business growth. 

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Spiced Herbed Margarita

 

    The holiday season is fully upon us and we have a special holiday drink for you to share with your friends and family.  This can be made as a mocktail as well, so everyone can enjoy this holiday drink.  Do not let the spices pull you away from this one, they can be strained out completely but also offer rich flavor if they sit within the liquid for a bit after mixing.  I have made this as a batch or individual drinks, so it has flexibility for your holiday party.  

    What could be  more festive than a drink with cinnamon and cranberry to enjoy around the dinner table, fire pit or just while visiting at your next holiday party.  We have made it our own special way and so can you.  Do not be afraid to mix it up and test out different variations to discover the flavor combination that you love the best.  

Spiced Herbed Margarita (makes 2)

2 ounces Cranberry Juice

2.5 ounces Pomegranate Juice

2 ounces Tequila 

3/4 ounce Triple Sec

Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper

1-4 dashes of Orange bitters

First run an orange slice around the rim of your glass and then roll your glass in coarse sugar combined with the spices above.  Fill your rocks glass with ice.  Add all the other ingredients into your shaker cup filled with ice.  Shake it really well, to help the spices spread throughout the drink. Once done, strain over your rocks glass.  

    You can leave your drink just like that and enjoy throughout the evening.  Or here are a few additions to add for a little extra pop.  Top your glass off with some ginger beer or sparkling water for a little bit of a bubbles.

    To make this into a mocktail, remove the tequila and triple sec, top your drink off with sparkling water, and add in a bit of simple syrup or honey to add a little sweet to the bitterness of the fruit.  

    This is a fun and simple cocktail that can be your signature holiday drink for the season.  Mix up the juice options with orange juice or sprite to change it just a bit to make your own unique drink.  This is sure to be a crowd pleaser, so be sure to make it as a batch. 

    Please be sure to drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Happy Holiday's from all of us at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast.  We hope your holiday season is festive and full of laughter and joy.  Cheers!