In search of the perfect wall light…

On February 5, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME4 Comments

Industrial Sconce by Urban Outfitters

We’ve been searching high and low for the perfect little wall light for our sunroom. The walls are exposed brick, so hardwiring isn’t the best option, we are looking for a plug in wall light. I’ve found several pretty cool ones, all price ranges. The sconce above is an affordable $49 from Urban Outfitters. I like the cool look of the cord. It comes in white and what looks like stainless… I’m thinking about the white right now…

Modern Swing Arm Wall Sconce from the Rhine Collection – Image: LightingDirect.com

The Modern Swing Arm Wall Sconce offers a contemporary twist to a typical reading light… very chic for only $103!

Swing Arm Wall Lamp by Circa Lighting – Image: CircaLighting.com

You can never go wrong with the lighting at Circa. They have the most gorgeous options! We’re fortunate to live near a Circa Lighting in Charleston, SC, but if you don’t then you’ll be happy to know that they ship… for FREE! The Swing Arm Wall Lamp by Circa Lighting is a classic style with a contemporary edge to it. I like that it has a dimmer so you can leave it on for ambient lighting… and turn it up for task lighting, so you can see what you’re reading!

COUNTERPOISE SWING-ARM WALL SCONCE BRONZE – Image – Restoration Hardware

The Counterpoise Swing-Arm Wall Sconce is another classy option from Restoration Hardware. Classy lighting at this place, and this is no exception. My concern for where I want to put it is that I will hit my head on it when I get up? Hmmm, a consideration!

Tolomeo Micro Wall Lamp by Artemide – Image: Lumens.com

Fred and I have long admired the Tolomeo lighting collection, especially the micro wall lamp. Very cool on either side of a bed, but hmmmm, might be neat in the sunroom as well?!

Robert Abbey Bruno Collection Scissor Arm Pharmacy Plug In Wall Light – LampsPlus.com

And finally… the Robert Abbey Bruno Collection Scissor Arm Pharmacy Plug-In Wall Light so very cool!

So many options and we’ve just begun to search! Having Google makes finding just exactly what you want so much easier!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Martha Burkert!

On February 4, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist2 Comments

“Daisy” by Martha Burkert

There is something refreshing and different about Martha Burkert’s work. Brilliant colors, happy composition and style. Very nice! Check out Martha’s website.

Here’s a blip about Martha from the Maine Home + Design website:

MARTHA BURKERTMartha Burkert grew up in Texas and received a BA in English from Tulane University in New Orleans. She took studio classes at the Maine College of Art in Portland and the University of North Texas in Denton. Burkert was invited to an artists’ retreat at Maine Audubon’s Borestone Mountain Sanctuary in Monson in 2008, and she has exhibited widely at galleries in Maine and Texas. The artist now divides her time between Dallas and Yarmouth. She is represented by the Elizabeth Moss Galleries in Falmouth.Martha Burkert was compelled by the beauty of Maine to learn the technical skills needed to capture it. While she has been painting only since 2000, the artist already had a keen sense of design—she was a location scout and photo stylist for Thos. Moser and for home-furnishing catalogs. Burkert’s mature work shows the influence of some of Maine’s best colorists, including Fairfield Porter (1907–1975) and Alfred Cheney Chadbourn (1921–1998), who worked representationally but leaned toward abstraction.Burkert often creates small paintings and oil sketches on-site. Additionally, she takes photographs in black-and-white instead of color because the chromatic range is too limited for her needs. Yet all these direct responses to nature only serve as references and jumping-off points. In the larger paintings she executes in her studio, paint application, color resonance, temperatures, and commanding shapes become the artist’s focal points. “The bigger the canvas, the more I push color and form in a more exaggerated direction,” Burkert says.

Complex landscapes are often arranged into a repoussoir of more detailed flowers or trees in the immediate foreground, with expansive planes of loosely painted color in the background suggestive of the sea, clouds, or other major landscape formations. In Queen Anne’s Lace, Burkert evinces the liberties she takes with naturalistic representation, and water and sky have turned into bands of yellow and pink. The artist often experiments with color combinations until they feel right to her—an emotional and intuitive process that the artist confesses she doesn’t fully understand.

Growing up surrounded by the landscapes of Texas, Burkert appreciates the beauty of vast unfilled spaces. Maine’s landscapes, on the other hand, are more visually complex and seasonally changeable. The artist therefore likes to distill her paintings to their basic elements. “There is a beauty in simple things,” she says.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Head on down to the Ferry Building!

On February 3, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL4 Comments

I took this photo years ago at the Ferry Building in San Francisco, CA. Have you been there? If you’re in San Fran, I highly suggest it. It’s a feast for your eyes! I’m not kidding, so many wonderful things, fresh food, drink, you name it! Here is a list of VENDORS. I’m not sure if the flower place is still there or not, it was magical! I could picture us living there, going to the Ferry Building each weekend for fresh flowers and produce… well, except for the $$PRICE$$ of living in San Francisco… oh well, I’m happy with my life here in Charleston, and the fact that Trader Joe’s, EarthFare and Whole Foods are close by!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Cheers in San Francisco at The Grove Fillmore!

On February 2, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL6 Comments

Me at a cafe on Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA – 2005!

Yes, for those of you who think I just don’t age… this photo is from 2005, ha ha… that’s my no aging secret, use old photos, works better than Botox! We had such a good time at this place. This was at a cool place called THE GROVE FILLMORE in San Francisco. I remember they had huge cups of coffee (as you can see), they had wonderful pies… ooooh, fabulous organic fruit fillings that made it worth the trip each time! They also had a macaroni and cheese that was to die for! Look at their MENU!

Image via…

I was telling this older couple we had met along the way, about this place, and she told me “Honey, we used to live to eat, now we eat to live”. How sad I thought at the time. But we do the same thing with occasional splurges. I mean you are what you eat, right? That’s why I eat lots of shrimp. Hee.

Have a great weekend! Catch you back here tomorrow!

National WEAR RED day! Go Red for Women

On February 1, 2013December 17, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HEALTH2 Comments

Orange Red Orange by Mark Rothko / Image: Galerie-Mikel.fr

I normally feature an artist today, BUT since this is a pretty important subject, I think Mark Rothko’s “Orange Red Orange” ties in quite nicely with the WEAR RED FOR WOMEN theme, don’t you? I love his work!

Today is National Wear Red day to help raise awareness of heart disease in women. Did you know that heart disease was the #1 killer of women? Do you know the signs? There’s a great little video, reminds me of the show Modern Family in a way… it’s funny, but so true at the same time, shows you the signs of “Just a Little Heart Attack“! Symptoms in women are different than they are in men, so it’s worth knowing what to do!

Here’s a blip from the GOREDFORWOMEN.ORG website:

Symptoms of a heart attack:

Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

As with men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to note that women are more likely to experience the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

What to do during a heart attack

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms:

Do not wait to call for help. Dial 9-1-1, make sure to follow the operator’s instructions and get to a hospital right away.
Do not drive yourself or have someone drive you to the hospital unless you have no other choice.
Try to stay as calm as possible and take deep, slow breaths while you wait for the emergency responders.

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All too often we don’t want to “bother” emergency folks with our aches and pains, but time is of the essence… you have a good outcome you have got to react quickly. So read up on it, be aware, and if you’re body is telling you something is wrong… listen!

Remember, if you have symptoms CALL 9-1-1 FIRST. Then if they tell you to take an aspirin, do so, it can be of great benefit (if no aspirin allergy, etc.), they will tell you whether or not to take one. I’ve heard from Dr. Oz that you should CHEW it so it gets into your bloodstream quickly. Also, unlock your door (after you call 9-1-1)… so they can get in to help you!

If you see someone having a heart attack and they need CPR, this is a great little blip from the goredforwomen.org website:

Research shows that Hands-Only CPR (without mouth-to-mouth breaths) performed by a bystander is just as effective in the first few minutes of sudden cardiac arrest in an out-of-hospital setting. Here’s how to do it.

“Stayin’ Alive” in two easy steps

No matter where you are, if you witness a teen or an adult suddenly collapse, you need to act fast – a delay of just a few minutes could be the difference between life and death. So check out this video from The American Heart Association, and remember these two easy steps:

Call 9-1-1, or have someone else call immediately
Push down hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the Bee Gees’ disco hit “Stayin’ Alive”

Hopefully, you’ll never have to use Hands-Only CPR, but in the event of an emergency, your preparedness could save a life. Learn more about Hands-Only CPR and read these true survivor stories for inspiration.

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Oh! Wear red today if you can, spread the word!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Lake Flato Porch Houses… Efficient, architecturally appealing and downright JAW DROPPING!

On January 31, 2013October 6, 2021 By Barbara StroudIn HOME, House Plans, THOUGHTS2 Comments

I KNOW! GORGEOUS! CONTEMPORARY! ECLECTIC! Whoa, awesome design coupled with energy efficient these architects have come up with a masterpiece! It would be really neat to have the main part of the home with a master bedroom/bathroom, living area, kitchen and powder room and have a separate area for guests or a studio! Imagine this situated where you can watch a sunrise/sunset?! Heaven. On. Earth!

Continue reading “Lake Flato Porch Houses… Efficient, architecturally appealing and downright JAW DROPPING!” →

Featured Artist… Randy Sexton!

On January 30, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured Artist7 Comments

“Peace Hogs” by Randy Sexton

I first saw this image on Facebook. Ahhh, Facebook, gotta love it. It’s the most awesome tool when looking for the latest and greatest art. I love how artists are posting their work, its fascinating!

This is amazing on so many levels. I have always admired Randy’s work. I featured Randy back in September 2012, but couldn’t resist another post… this painting is so full of life. No harsh edges, just strokes of genius smattered here and there and TADA… a painting so fabulous that it takes your breath away! There is so much going on, yet not too much detail. The colors and strokes… INTERESTING. There is so much to see you don’t want to look away.

I love that the info about Randy on his WEBSITE isn’t just a bullet list of accomplishments. I never make it through those… I like to hear the story behind the person, why they paint, how they paint, who they studied under, who they look up to, where they live, about their dog, ha ha… anything other than the regular blah blah blah… Randy’s website is very, very nice, I encourage you to check it out! Here’s a little blip about Randy from his website… for more, either check out his website, or click on the September link above to see more info… Here goes…

“A ‘painters’ painter’, Randall is one of the premier contemporary California landscape painters, also paints still-lifes, figures, and portraits with equal mastery…His work evokes deep feelings, whether it’s the solitude of a deserted street at night or the exultation of a beautiful landscape, each speaks softly to the viewer.”
Jean Stern, Executive Director -The Irvine Museum of Art

Randall currently teaches at Pixar University
Randall was honored with the coveted “Artists’ Choice Award” in Laguna Beach at the 10th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Event held at the Laguna Museum Of Art
Randall is proud member of the artist group known as “The Outsiders”

Catch you back here tomorrow!

The HGTV Dream Home, opens to the public… SOON!

On January 29, 2013January 29, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn THOUGHTS2 Comments

The 2013 HGTV Dream Home located on Kiawah Island, SC

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Hey, it’s fun to dream… and this home is a beauty… check out their website for some great photos!

AND if you’re fortunate enough to make it to the dream home tour… look for Christina Hewso n’s dog portraits… They are amazing! They add such character and interest! You may remember reading about her on one of my past posts…

Ahhhh, love this!

As well as local Beaufort artist, Cassandra Gillens who was also in a past post!

Beginning February 14, 2013 the HGTV Dream Home will be open to the public… here are some details from the HGTV blog website…

Dying to step inside HGTV Dream Home 2013 for an up-close-and-personal tour? Now’s your chance! Public tours of our Kiawah Island vacation home begin in mid February. Tickets are $20 per person; proceeds will benefit Communities in Schools of the Charleston Area, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides a nationally acclaimed dropout prevention program that empowers and inspires students.

Tour Dates:
Thursday, February 14 through Monday, February 18
Friday, February 22 through Sunday, February 24
Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 3
Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10

Tour Times:
Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last tour starts at 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. (last tour starts at 4 p.m.)

To order tickets and learn more about HGTV Dream Home 2013 public tours, visit hgtvdreamhometours.org.

Mary is a contributor to HGTV Dreams Happen: Sweepstakes Blog.

Images of Christina Hewson’s pet portraits via HGTV.com

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Paula Frizbe!

On January 28, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

“At the Lake House” by Paula Frizbe

Paula has such a great style. I especially like this painting, called “At the Lake House” – what a dream, eh? Oh, the color of the water, the lake house, and that TREE with it’s quirky whimsical branches. This is a wonderful painting!

Paula has many more, be sure to stop by her website if you get a chance! I see that Paula is a member of Plein Air Painters of the Southeast. They also have a great Facebook page if you’re interested!

Here’s a blip about Paula from the Leiper’s Creek Gallery, located in Franklin, TN:

Paula Frizbe has been a professional oil painter for over a decade. Her career in the arts spans almost 30 years. Her professional career has afforded her painting opportunities throughout the United States and in many foreign countries. She is a signature member of The Cumberland Society of Painters, Alla Prima International and Plein-Air Painter’s of the Southeast. Her work is owned by numerous private and corporate collectors. She is currently represented by several galleries in five states in the south and southeast.
“To me, the whole idea of painting is to respond to and then convey to others my view of the world around me. I find no pleasure in reinventing the world, nor seek a self-fulfilling inward gaze. My joy comes from the pure thrill of adventure.
The world is infinitely complex. The continual hunt for and then surprise finding of her mysteries is my sole motivation.”
Paula Frizbe — Artist statement

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Lobsters… SET THEM FREE… oh, wait a minute…!

On January 27, 2013December 9, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

This is a photo I shot while in Maine. When I used to see this (as you do all over) I used to dream about setting them free, ha ha… Then one day I was watch Alton Brown on the Food Network, he was talking about the similarities of lobsters and… one of my biggest fears… la coockaracha’s as I like to call them, it doesn’t sound so greasy, so downright creepy (oh I just know I’m going to have a nightmare tonight!)… cockroaches. Lobsters and cockroaches are in the same family.

Set them free?

Nope… Maybe don’t squish ’em, but hey, definitely don’t set them free!

Maybe, toss them in a macaroni and cheese… like this recipe from Ina Garten?! Hee, hee.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Bless the lobstermen and women! Hard work for sure!

On January 26, 2013January 8, 2014 By Barbara StroudIn TRAVEL2 Comments

I love snapping photos of everyday things… this photo was taken in Camden, Maine. One of the workers left his gloves on the wheel. It struck me how these men and women are such hard workers. Lobstering is hard work. I’m not expert, but I’ve watched Lobster Wars (ha ha, loved that show!) so I see what it takes. I’ve read stories, and I’ve heard from people who do this for a living, who’s families have done it for generation after generation.

Hard. Work.

When you realize what it takes to bring the lobsters back to land so that we can enjoy them it makes you never want to eek out a peep about the price. Ever. It’s worth every penny! Oh, those scrambled eggs with cheese and lobster at the Island Inn on Monhegan are sounding pretty tasty about now!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Featured Artist… Logan Hagege!

On January 25, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

Cloud Shadows on the Wall by Logan Hagege

I know what you’re thinking… STUNNING! Right? Those dramatic colors and shadows, the fabulous texture makes for one helluva painting! I’m not the only one that thinks so… this painting won the Artist’s Choice Award at the Coors Western Art Show! Great job Logan… it seems that he completes one masterpiece after another.

Here’s a blip about Logan from his website:

Logan Maxwell Hagege is a talented artist who excels in depicting the figure and landscapes. Serious study in art started for Logan when early interest in animation sent him to a local art school, Associates in Art. His interest quickly moved from animation to fine art while attending life drawing classes, and later the Academy`s Advanced Masters Program, which was modeled after the old time French Art Schools where students spent more than six hours per day studying from live models. Logan also studied privately under Steve Huston and Joseph Mendez. This artist has drawn inspiration for his subjects from his native Southern California as well as by traveling extensively to view various landscapes in the American Southwest and the Northeast Coast of the U.S.

Logan finds encouragement and guidance in masters of the past such as Gustav Klimt, N.C. Wyeth, T.W. Dewing and Maynard Dixon. One idea that drives Logan`s work is that evolution in art is never ending. He is constantly challenging himself with new ideas and new ways of looking at the same subject.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Bird Wallpaper by Schumacher, some of the classiest I’ve ever seen!

On January 24, 2013January 22, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOME4 Comments

Is this not the most gorgeous powder room you’ve ever seen? I LOVE this wallpaper. Sarah Richardson used it on her latest season of Sarah’s House, a design show on HGTV. I have to say she has impeccable taste. You’re seeing birds everywhere right now! On clothes, lamps, bedding, pillows and wallpaper. This wallpaper is by Schumacher, it’s called A-TWEET, Summer. It also comes in A-TWEET, Winter, a more subdued version. Gorgeous! Makes me want to tear apart the bathroom and start fresh, hee hee…

I’ll leave you with a swatch… I think I’ll at least go clean out the linen cupboard and bathroom cabinet… using the decluttering/organizing techniques used on the closet and the kitchen utensil drawer (and I’m STILL so happy every time I open that drawer and it doesn’t get stuck!)!

Image: Schumacher

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Powder room image via HGTV.ca (found here)

Featured Artist (and SEWE artist!)… Mark Horton!

On January 23, 2013December 8, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn ART, Featured ArtistLeave a comment

On The Road by Mark Horton

Part of the Southeastern Wildlife Expo

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Mark has one cool style. Known mainly for his landscapes they draw you in and capture you. His marsh scenes are an exquisite view of what the Charleston area is really all about. Look at this painting… don’t you feel like you’re about to embark on a hiking adventure in the woods? Whew, I do… I think I burned a few extra calories just thinking about it, ha ha…

On occasion Mark gives workshops, so be sure to check out the gallery website to see when one is coming up. If you’re an artist, I’m sure it’ll be one that you will find both informative AND lots of fun!

The Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE) will be sweeping into town soon. Very soon. Come February 15-17 Charleston will be hopping… even more than normal! People come from all over the world to attend. Read a little more about SEWE from their website… check it out, great photos and information!

Now in its 30th year, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the nation, attracting over 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe who present their offerings to over 40,000 attendees. A 3-day celebration of nature that has earned a reputation for excellence, SEWE now hosts the world’s foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education.

Established in 1982, the first Southeastern Wildlife Exposition took place in February of 1983, with approximately 100 exhibitors and 5,000 people in attendance. Its goal was, and is, to produce an event which contributes significantly to the economy while promoting the conservation and preservation of nature and wildlife through its educational outreach programs and its focus on the visual arts.

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is a critical part of the South Carolina and Charleston calendar. Run with the utmost professionalism and pride, an effort that began as a small winter diversion has now become the largest annual event to take place in South Carolina and one of the most popular and successful events in the country.

View the 2013 Southeastern Wildlife Expo brochure

Here’s a blip about Mark from the gallery website, I think you’ll have to agree with me that Mark is one accomplished dude… and on top of being exquisite at what he does, he’s a super nice guy. Someone that you really enjoy talking to. Now for the blip…

Mark Kelvin Horton was born and raised in rural North Carolina. After graduating from East Carolina University School of Art in 1983, Horton moved to New York City to begin a career in advertising and design. He carried with him the dream of someday becoming a painter.

Eighteen years of living in New York were spent working as a creative director in various advertising agencies and eventually founding his own design company. Those years also provided an invaluable opportunity for Horton to view and study firsthand the seemingly endless number of masterworks of art in the city’s museums and galleries. Horton became particularly fascinated with the works of George Inness, Herman Herzog, Frederick Church and the tonalist photographer, Edward Steichen. He was also captivated by the realism of John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer as well as the romantic landscapes of the Hudson River School painters. The experience had a profound effect on his artistic development.

During his years working as an artistic director and designer, Horton continued to nurture his “fine art side”, drawing, sketching and painting whenever he had the opportunity. In early 2001 Horton made the decision to devote himself full-time to painting. He left New York City and returned to his Southern roots, moving to Charleston, South Carolina.

Horton is particularly fascinated with the effects of light and weather upon the landscape. He paints beyond a literal interpretation of a scene to portray nature in a way that reflects his own ideas and sensibilities while capturing the spirit, color and changing light of a place.

If you can’t make it to the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, check out the Horton Hayes Gallery website, and if you’re ever in Charleston, SC that is one gallery that you must pop in to. You won’t be disappointed!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

I found a treasure… you may like it too!

On January 22, 2013January 22, 2013 By Barbara StroudIn HOMELeave a comment

OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Drying Mat

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I don’t have lots of extra room near the sink in my kitchen to put a regular dish drainer. For the past few years I’ve been using a kitchen towel. You don’t have to wash very many dishes (I use the dishwasher mainly, but do wash pots/pans/knives as well as items I know we’ll be using soon) to make the towel sopping wet. Time for a change. I was at Target, looking to see if I could maybe fit a small dish drainer, problem with that was that I didn’t want to leave it out on the counter all the time… then I saw this! WOOHOO! OXO comes up with the coolest gadgets. This being one of them. This mat is made of silicone, it dries quickly (it can also be hung). Problem solved!

So… if you’re in the same predicament I encourage you to try this… I bought it at Target. They also make a smaller size. Note, this is called the “large” it’s not big, it’s just right (16.9″ x 12.5″), you want to be able to hang it or fit it in a drawer when you’re done.

Here’s a product description from Amazon:

Efficiently dry large and delicate items with the OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Drying Mat. The Drying Mat’s unique ribbed design maximizes aeration and elevates items, keeping them clean and sanitary. The large rectangular shape can accommodate a variety of dishes and cookware. Once items are dry, the easy-to-clean Mat can be rolled up or hung for storage. The heat resistant silicone material allows the Mat to double as a trivet.

And if you’re wondering… YES! I am experimenting with themes again. Feel free to drop me a line via The LEAVE A REPLY feature Located directly above the image. If no one has commented yet, you’ll see LEAVE A REPLY, otherwise you’ll see for example “2 REPLIES”, click on that to leave a comment… Catch you back here tomorrow!