Author: Barbara Stroud

I started the ArtFoodHome.com daily (now 4 times/week) blog 1/1/11 (easy to remember, right?) and have kept it going since then. Come back each day - I share with you: ART: featured artists, art events, workshops, etc. FOOD: recipes, restaurants, and good finds along the way HOME: house plans, home design, places here in Charleston... On year 14 of artfoodhome.com - share this site with anyone who you think might enjoy it!

It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, HOME, Lifestyle, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

So far, 2026 is proving to be a motivational, “get things done” kind of year. From drawers to moving furniture around (again) and the subsequent cleaning that comes with each move, it’s exciting to be in the same house, yet have it feel so different. Future 2026, make a shift from white walls to walls with color? We’ve always loved saturated color, darker colors. Then made a change to all white. Fresh. Now, it’s getting tiresome. Especially with all…

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2026 – May it be the best year yet!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Photograph, SC, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
View from nearby. Charleston, SC.

Well, now that we’re a few days into the New Year – how is it going? Sending wishes that it will be your best year yet! Many of us are striving to be healthier, eat cleaner, exercise more. Coming soon, a few recipes to help with that endeavor (and I’m sure a few that won’t). My philosophy is that to be good (eating wise), it’s ok to not be perfect. Allow yourself a treat now and then and then get back to it!

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Happy New Year’s Eve 2025!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Fireplace in room...

New Year’s Eve, 2025. Where will you be? I know there are so many wonderful plans being made. Are you one that can’t wait to get out on the town, visit friends, head to a party (or two!), have some great food, or are you one that prefers to stay home. Nice and quiet, maybe keeping your dog calm from the fireworks? I just read a few good tips to help with that…

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Capturing A Moment During a Scenic Walk in Charleston, SC!

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Design Inspiration, Flowers, HOME, Photograph, preservation, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Historic home in Charleston, SC

January is almost upon us so we thought we would get a head start on health and fitness and head out on a fast walk. Somewhere different. We usually walk our neck of the woods, which is beautiful, but… It’s so nice to get out and walk somewhere different. Different views which are so nice! I had to do a good deal of walk/running to keep up with my husband because I kept stopping to take a photo…

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Happy Christmas Eve + Don’t Forget the Blessing Boxes!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Christmas tree lit up. Backdrop is a river at nighttime dramatic sky.

What a magical night, Christmas Eve! Between the visions of sugarplums dancing in little ones heads, the preparation, the cooking, baking, shopping, wrapping, delivering and merry making, THIS is the eve of Christmas. Tomorrow, a celebration for many… But, I’m also remembering those who may not have a lot this time of year and may need a little help with food…

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A Peek At The Beautiful Things in Life!

On By Barbara StroudIn Design Inspiration, Garden Center, Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
vintage earn, red berries, fence with roping for the holidays

Happy Wednesday! Where does the time go? It seems like it was just Halloween! Thanksgiving flew by and now Christmas is very, very close! For many of us there is so much to do to prepare. It’s good to start early, which I used to be good at, but now am running behind like most of you. It’s all good, we can only try to get everything on our lists done, right? Wondering what cool place I was at with such a beautiful view (in the image) – see below…

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Happy Saturday!

On By Barbara StroudIn Photograph, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Wooden mannequin in window on a table or desk with lamp

I love taking photos of vignettes that hold special interest to me. I love the lines of this table/desk, the lamp illuminating the cool figure (known as a wooden mannequin for drawing or a “manikin”). I was outside when I took the photo and the trees, shrubs, even the Spanish moss is detectable in the reflections in the window. I love that it’s waving hello…

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ACORN SQUASH that everyone will love!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe1 Comment
roasted acorn squash - so delicious!

Acorn squash. Eh. I’ve made it several times for us and neither of us are a fan. This time of year it’s plentiful and piques my interest. I ran across a quick and easy recipe for it and in the comments saw several that said “Even those who dislike acorn squash LOVE this recipe”. Ok, challenge accepted. Wow, they were so right. Twice in a week we’ve had it!

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Book Suggestion: SANDWICH by Catherine Newman!

On By Barbara StroudIn books, THOUGHTSLeave a comment
Sandwich by Catherine Newman book

A great book selection (especially for a certain group of women). This is my first Catherine Newman book. At first I thought 😳 but honestly, unless you are bothered by language and some circumstances, then this is a fabulous book. If you are bothered by either, this may not your cup of tea, but I have to say, I really enjoyed it.

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Christmas Candle from Charleston Candle Company (Great Gift!)

On By Barbara StroudIn Charleston, Favorite Things, HOME, THOUGHTS2 Comments
Christmas Cactus blooming in hot pink and Charleston Christmas Candle

Are you looking for a lovely gift? A special holiday gift for someone to let them know you’re thinking of them? This is an excellent idea! A friend gave me one last year, and it’s been so special (and every time I see the candle I think of the person who gave it to me). It’s a lovely scent, not overpowering – just right!

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BOURSIN PASTA RECIPE – So easy! 5⭐️

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

TRY THIS! If you haven’t jumped on the Boursin pasta train yet, here’s a great opportunity to do so. I’ve tried many renditions, one I’ve shared (with spinach and tomatoes) but I wanted one quicker to make but every bit as tasty. Bingo! This fit the bill. It was perfection in every bite. This make enough for two good portions with a little leftover. So adjust the amounts for more people. It reheats well!

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