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Unlike certain foods — tomatoes, watermelon, and corn, to name a few — plums are a fruit I forget. That is, until I spot them at the farmers market each Summer, and find myself gobbling one up on the spot, dribbling juice and all. In that moment, I've suddenly become a born-again plum fanatic.

Although plums originated in China, their popularity spread quickly to other parts of the world like Japan, where they were further cultivated, and America, which saw its first plums in the late 1800s. Today, there are over 2,000 varieties of the stone fruit, although 95 percent of the plums in the United States come from Central California. Learn what to do with all those amazing drupes when you read more.

With the long weekend looming delightfully ahead of us, I wanted to remind you of the importance of the thank-you note! If you're spending the next few days at a friend's house or attending a barbecue or party hosted by a loved one, after the fact, take a quick minute to send them a thank-you. It doesn't have to be a handwritten note (although those are always greatly appreciated), a short, but sweet email or text is perfectly acceptable. Here are four reasons why you should make time to say thanks:

1. If the hostess is a good one, she probably put a lot of thought and planning into your visit or meal. Did she welcome you with your favorite bottle of bubbly? Was she sure to include plenty of vegetarian options on the menu? She took the time to think about what makes you happy, so let her know you're grateful for her effort.
2. Do you want to get invited back? Be sure to send a thank-you! The hostess who entertains a lot will make note of the guests who send a thank-you vs. those who do not send a thank-you. Don't say thanks and she may choose not to invite you to her next party.
3. The thank-you card is a dying art that should be brought back! I'm sure your parents made you write them when you were little, so why did you grow out of the habit? It's the polite and proper thing to do.
4. It will brighten your hostess's day. Did you look forward to her barbecue and have an awesome time? Then make the days after the fiesta a little happier for her and let her know it was a wonderful soiree.

Do you send a thank-you after attending a party? What's your reasoning for it?

This weekend will be prime hot dog grilling time, and I'm already scheming about which toppings to offer when I set up my next hot dog bar. I'm not known to turn down any dog, whether it's done up with chili and cheese, Coney Island-style, or with just a slather of ketchup and mustard. But my hands-down favorite is the dog that's been "dragged through the garden" Chicago-style, with mustard, onions, electric-green relish, a pickle, tomato wedges, spicy sport peppers, and a sprinkling of celery salt. I've heard from Colombian friends that potato chips are a great way to go, too. What are your top hot dog fixings?

Source: Flickr User stu_spivack

Is the future of the supermarket looking bleak? Some seem to think so. According to consumer marketing firm RetailNet Group, grocery stores will soon be faced with an uphill battle. Food retailers could see the impact as soon as 2015, as population growth slows and the influential baby boomer segment becomes an elderly generation.

Additionally, younger, more affluent customers, especially those born after 1985, may be the first ones to turn primarily to online grocery shopping in lieu of physical visits to the supermarket. Some grocers are responding to this concern by launching initiatives for kids in an attempt to create a rapport with future generations of shoppers.

Call me antiquated, but I kind of like the physical act of strolling down the produce aisle, even squeezing avocados to make sure they're ripe. It's hard to imagine a future free of grocery stores. Could you see yourself shopping for food exclusively online?

We're not the only ones who are currently obsessed with outlandish ice cream flavors! Check out Dice215's latest creation.

Vanilla bean ice cream spiked with a little bourbon and caramel.

For the recipe, visit her blog. Then, join the Savory Sights group in the YumSugar Community to share your frozen dessert creations.